Covid-19 claims lives of another five people in Scotland

The First Minister cautioned weekend reporting could mean the deaths figure is artifically low.

Another five people have died with coronavirus in Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon has said.

It takes the official death toll of confirmed Covid-19 cases up to 1576, although counting suspected cases the number is nearly 2600.

Positive cases of the virus are up by 169 to stand at a total of 12,226.

The First Minister cautioned the figure on deaths could be artificially low due to lower weekend reporting.

She sent her condolences to the families of all who have lost loved ones, saying each death is the loss of a “unique and irreplaceable” person.

The numbers of people in hospital overall with confirmed or suspected Covid-19 are up 54 to 1720.

However, intensive care admissions remain on 99 for the second day in a row – the lowest figure since March 29.

Sturgeon also said a total of 2780 people who were diagnosed with coronavirus have been able to leave hospital since the outbreak began.

She said that although “real and significant progress” was being made in tackling the virus, its rate of reproduction of the virus is still too high to begin lifting the lockdown.

A review is due to be held on Thursday and the First Minister said it is “likely” the restrictions will continue.

She said that some work on a potential transition from lockdown will be published in the coming days.

Sturgeon said work would be done to ensure there was alignment with the rest of the UK, but divergence in some measures is possible.

STV News is now on WhatsApp

Get all the latest news from around the country

Follow STV News
Follow STV News on WhatsApp

Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country

WhatsApp channel QR Code