Scottish death figure likely to be artificially low: Sturgeon

At least two more people were confirmed to have died after testing positive for coronavirus in Scotland, bringing the total deaths here to 220.

But First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said this figure, up from 218 on Saturday, should not be taken as being “truly representative” of the number of deaths, as the way Covid-19 deaths are being notified is changing.

She said the figure is “likely to be artificially low” and was almost certainly an underestimate.

Yesterday afternoon’s update saw 361 new cases confirmed, taking the total to 3,706 across Scotland.

That was up from 3,345 on Saturday.

A total of 197 Scots were also said to be in intensive care receiving treatment.

The number of positive cases in

Tayside increased from 410 to 457, while the number of positive cases recorded in Fife rose from 173 to the 200 mark.

Meanwhile, families unable to access food as a result of the outbreak will get support from local authorities with £30 million of new investment from the Scottish Government Food Fund.

The funding will support those most in need including families with children who are eligible for free school meals, older people, those with long-term health conditions and pregnant women.

Councils will have flexibility to use this additional resource in ways that best meet emerging local needs and circumstances, working with community groups and businesses to support home delivery, provide financial help and meet dietary requirements.