Coronavirus: Six more deaths and 1246 cases in 24 hours

Another six people with coronavirus have died in Scotland, with 1246 new cases recorded in the last 24 hours.

The number of new cases represents 16.2% of people who have been newly tested.

Of the cases, 440 were in Greater Glasgow and Clyde, 306 in Lanarkshire and 192 in Lothian. The remaining cases spread across nine other health boards.

The total number of deaths among people who have tested positive for the virus now stands at 2544.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said at the daily briefing: “Today’s total and indeed all of the deaths that have been recorded in recent days remind us and should remind us again that Covid is a virus that is deadly for some people, as well as being really dangerous for many others.”

She added the virus is not something that “we can be complacent about or just allow to spread unchecked”.

Meanwhile, NHS Lothian is investigating an outbreak of coronavirus within a ward at the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh.

The health board said a small number of patients – fewer than five – have died after testing positive for the virus.

Due to six other patients testing positive for Covid-19, the oncology ward has been closed to new admissions and discharges whilst investigations are under way and to allow for tests to be carried out.

A multi-disciplinary Incident Management Team (IMT) has been set up and a series of robust and enhanced infection control measures have been put in place in the ward.

Dr Donald Inverarity, consultant microbiologist and chair of the IMT, said: “Our thoughts are with the family of the deceased and I would like to express our sincere condolences.

“Patient safety is our main priority and while we understand that the request not to go home for the weekend may be upsetting, it is necessary.

“It will help reduce the risk of onwards transmission and protect their families and the wider community. I would like to thank patients and their families for their co-operation and understanding.”