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Coronavirus deaths in Scotland rise by 81 to 447 Nicola Sturgeon says lockdown likely to continue 'for some weeks to come'
(32 minutes later)
A further 81 people in Scotland have died after contracting coronavirus, bringing the latest total to 447. Scotland's coronavirus lockdown is likely to continue "for some weeks to come", Nicola Sturgeon has said.
Nicola Sturgeon said 4,957 people had now tested positive for the virus, up from 4,565 on Wednesday. The first minister said there was "no prospect" of the measures being lifted in the coming days.
The first minister stressed these figures would be an under-estimate, and expressed condolences to the families of those who had died. She said it was important not to lift restrictions "prematurely", in a way which could see the virus spread "out of control" and overwhelm the NHS.
A further 81 people in Scotland have died after contracting Covid-19, bringing the latest total to 447.
Ms Sturgeon said 4,957 people had now tested positive for the virus, up from 4,565 on Wednesday, but stressed these figures would be an under-estimate.
She also said there are 1,781 patients in Scotland's hospitals with Covid-19, 212 of whom are in intensive care.She also said there are 1,781 patients in Scotland's hospitals with Covid-19, 212 of whom are in intensive care.
The daily figures announced by Ms Sturgeon reflect deaths in hospitals where patients have tested positive for the virus.The daily figures announced by Ms Sturgeon reflect deaths in hospitals where patients have tested positive for the virus.
Wider figures including other settings like care homes and cases where coronavirus was a suspected or presumed cause of death are released weekly, on Wednesdays. Wider figures, including other settings like care homes and cases where coronavirus was a suspected or presumed cause of death, are now being released weekly every Wednesday.
Today, the first minister's daily press conference has been replaced by a question session with opposition politicians, hosted over a live video stream. The first minister's daily press conference on Thursday was replaced by a question session with opposition politicians, hosted over a live video stream.
Sittings at Holyrood have been cut back due to the coronavirus lockdown and the parliament is currently in recess, but party leaders are able to question Ms Sturgeon on the government's handling of the crisis over a new "virtual working" system.Sittings at Holyrood have been cut back due to the coronavirus lockdown and the parliament is currently in recess, but party leaders are able to question Ms Sturgeon on the government's handling of the crisis over a new "virtual working" system.
Presiding Officer Ken Macintosh said it was "crucial" that MSPs were able to scrutinise ministers during lockdown.Presiding Officer Ken Macintosh said it was "crucial" that MSPs were able to scrutinise ministers during lockdown.
Thursday's session will only feature party leaders, but Mr Macintosh said this could be expanded to include backbenchers in future weeks. Thursday's session only featured party leaders, but Mr Macintosh said this could be expanded to include backbenchers in future weeks.