There are lots of sources of useful information at Ready Scotland, external to help you stay safe and well during the coronavirus outbreak.

For advice on the coronavirus:

• NHS Inform, external host a wealth of advice on symptoms, social distancing, caring for a cough or fever, and more.
• If you don't have symptoms and are looking for general information, phone our free helpline on 0800 028 2816, external. The helpline is open from 8.00am to 10.00pm each day.
• Or you can click to find out more about helping in your community, external and where to find additional support, external

For advice to businesses:

• Scottish Government helpline: 0300 303 0660, open Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5.30pm
• the Find Business Support, external website for the latest information and advice.
• Advice about benefits, employment rights, paying bills or travel cancellation rights you can check the Citizens Advice Scotland, external pages.
• the Scottish Government’s information hub, external for all the latest test numbers, news and publications.

Image source, Getty Images

A further six people with coronavirus in Scotland have died, taking the total number of deaths to 22.

The figure was revealed in a briefing by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.

She also said that 51 people who have tested positive for the virus, or have Covid-19 symptoms, were being treated in intensive care units.

The first minister added: "It is clear that we are now seeing a rapid rise in coronavirus cases in Scotland."

Other key announcements were:

• the creation of a Scottish Government Covid-19 Advisory Group to provide supplementary advice to UK's SAGE Committee
• only 1% of key workers have taken up the childcare offer
• PPE supply chain is working well, says health secretary
• CMO has been in touch with NHS Grampian about Prince Charles who was tested for 'clinical reasons'

Asked about the different advice coming from the Scottish and UK government on construction, Ms Sturgeon insists building sites should not be open unless they are working on essential sites like hospitals.

The first minister says she will look at providing guidance on the safe operation of construction sites but they are not in a position to release this yet so sites should remain closed.

What will the Scottish government do to make volunteering easier?

The first minister says if there is a sense we need to coordinate volunteering efforts better we will do that and she points to the Ready Scotland website as a starting point.

At the media conference, a question from the floor about PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) supplies leads to Health Secretary Jeane Freeman replying that the government needs to know what is needed from the frontline.

She says they are aiming to streamline how the ordering is done and how the distribution is carried out.

The health secretary says the supply chain is working well and there are currently no shortages of particular supplies, however the clinical guidance must be made very clear to the health and social care sector.

She says it is not the same for every setting and for every clinical procedure.

The health secretary says she is available to deal with any concerns.

The first minister stresses that PPE for frontline staff is a 'priority' and the government is trying to remove as much bureaucracy as possible

Chief Medical Officer Catherine Calderwood says the new Scottish scientific advisory group will provide bespoke advice, which is particularly important as different parts of the UK may be at different points of transmission at different times.

The NHS is being prepared, she says, thanking staff for doing this and urges people to stay at home as part of efforts to support them.

BBC Scotland heath correspondent Lisa Summers asks if there is nothing more to the government can do to stop employers asking people to come in.

Ms Sturgeon replies that the government have tried to set out clear principles rather than having to direct each individual firm.

"If in doubt, put the heath of your workforce first and don't expect them to come to work."

Ms Sturgeon turns to mental health and wellbeing, saying the last couple of weeks have brought more anxiety than any of us have seen in our life times.

The first minister says it will be some time before life returns to normal

"More than ever we all have to be kind to each other," she says.

The first minister says she can't praise enough all the communities and individuals who are rallying round.

The first minister says:

• For young people there is the Young Scot website
• For parents she points to the Parent Club
• If you are under stress Parentline Scotland is a good source of support.
• For older people the Age Scotland help-line is 0800 12 44 222

"We can and we will get through this very difficult period," she says.

The first minister expresses concern some workers are being put under "unnecessary and unacceptable pressure". She points to guidance for employers, external published today.

She says we are relying on businesses to be "responsible" and "put the health of their workers first".

The Scottish government and STUC have signed a joint statement of fair work, setting out shared objectives on supporting employees, Ms Sturgeon announces. This will help protect contracted and permanent staff, she adds.

Ms Sturgeon says the Scottish government actions are based on the most up-to-date scientific advice.

The first minister confirms that to supplement the scientific advice coming from the UK's SAGE committee, a Scottish government Covid-19 Advisory Group will be set up.

The first minister says initial estimates indicate only 1% of people are taking up childcare places on offer to key workers.

She says this is an indication that people are taking the measures seriously.

Ms Sturgeon says bus companies have reported a fall of over 70% in concessionary travel because people are making fewer journeys.

The Scottish government will compensate the bus companies by paying for the concessionary travel they were forecast to provide, she says.

There are lots of sources of useful information at Ready Scotland, external to help you stay safe and well during the coronavirus outbreak.

For advice on the coronavirus:

• NHS Inform, external host a wealth of advice on symptoms, social distancing, caring for a cough or fever, and more.
• If you don't have symptoms and are looking for general information, phone our free helpline on 0800 028 2816, external. The helpline is open from 8.00am to 10.00pm each day.
• Or you can click to find out more about helping in your community, external and where to find additional support, external

Nicola Sturgeon thanks the NHS staff who are doing such an "incredibly courageous job".

The first minister also thanks those caring for people and staff in supermarkets and other essential stores.

"All of your efforts are hugely appreciated," she says.

The first minister says it is clear we are now seeing a rapid rise in coronavirus cases in Scotland and says it is "vitally important" the unprecedented measures are complied with and people follow the advice.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon confirms six more people in Scotland have died with coronavirus.

The total now stands at 22.

She explains that confirmed case numbers are not yet available but these will be published online at 2pm.

Ms Sturgeon confirms there are 51 patients with Covid-19 in intensive care units.