Image source, PA Media

Emergency legislation passed by the Scottish Parliament has now been signed into law.

The Emergency Coronavirus (Scotland) Bill includes measures to keep the judicial system running and to protect tenants from being evicted.

On the news that the bill had received Royal Assent, the Scottish government's constitution secretary, Michael Russell, said the country faced "an unprecedented situation".

"This emergency bill, that has now become law, was unanimously passed by the Scottish Parliament and delivers necessary powers so we can prioritise tackling the coronavirus pandemic", he said.

He said the legislation would provide "vital practical help" for many who needed it.

The majority of the emergency measures brought in by the bill will expire automatically six months after they come into force, but they could be extended to a maximum duration of 18 months if necessary.

A tribute has been paid to the West Dunbartonshire care worker who died from Covid-19.

Beth Culshaw, chief officer of West Dunbartonshire Health and Social Care Partnership, where the woman worked, said she died on Sunday.

She said: "Our hearts go out to her family, friends and colleagues at this devastating time.

"Our dedicated staff are out in communities every day, delivering vital frontline services and working hard to support those most in need during this pandemic."

From today's briefing from the Scottish government:

• Nicola Sturgeon praised the "courage" of health service staff after it emerged a home care worker who contracted coronavirus had died.
• 222 people have died in Scotland after testing positive, an increase of two from yesterday.
• A total 3,961 people have tested positive - though Ms Sturgeon warned this would be an under-estimate.
• 199 people are in intensive care with suspected or confirmed cases of Covid-19, while 1,599 patients are in hospital.

• New interim chief medical officer Dr Gregor Smith attended his first briefing and praised frontline staff.
• Health Secretary Jeane Freeman confirmed 12,725 retired health professionals and students had volunteered to support the NHS.
• The first minister faced several questions from reporters following the resignation of Dr Catherine Calderwood; Ms Sturgeon said the former CMO had "made a serious mistake" and yesterday's decision was taken due to potential damage her staying on could have on the advice given.

Asked about deaths at care homes, Ms Sturgeon says there will have been further deaths but she would not advise people to take their loved ones out of care homes.

She says guidance is in place to cover the sector and the Care Inspectorate is working closely with providers.

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman says a direct line for ordering PPE to care homes is now in place.

We are able to provide extra NHS expertise to care homes to help them manage infection control and prevention, she says.

A journalist from STV asked the first minister how much of a spike in the overall death rate figures should the country be preparing for.

Ms Sturgeon replied: "I'm not going to speculate on the exact quantum of that."

She said journalists would be briefed on Tuesday on the differences in the way death numbers would be reported in the future.

The first minister added that the "death certification process" was not yet a seven-day operation for "laboratory-confirmed cases".

Ms Sturgeon said that meant the two deaths announced on Sunday and the two announced today would be an "underestimates of the figures for the weekend".

A more complete picture will emerge in the figures on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The first minister says she will not comment on whether Dr Calderwood will receive a pay-off following her resignation, adding the permanent secretary will provide comment on terms and conditions if appropriate.

Asked about the public information campaign featuring the former CMO, Ms Sturgeon says this has been "important and valuable" in the last few weeks.

But she confirms new adverts will be made in light of her resignation.

BBC Scotland health correspondent Lisa Summers asked the first minister about a document from Health Protection Scotland which states Covid-19 is no longer classified as a "high consequence infectious disease".

As a result frontline staff have been left confused about the level of PPE they should have.

The first minister said she was not sure what document Lisa was referring to but said she would attempt to get some clarification.

Ms Sturgeon stressed the advice issued last week by Health Protection Scotland on PPE had been agreed on a "four-nations basis".

A journalist asks about damage done to the public information campaign because of the former chief medical officer breaching lockdown rules.

The first minister says she is “acutely aware” of the importance of advice being given.

“She made a serious mistake in breaching the guidance, but she has also given valuable advice to the government during the course of the pandemic,” Ms Sturgeon states.

We will continue to prioritise the importance of that advice and asking people to follow it, she adds.

The first minister explains she came to the conclusion Dr Calderwood should resign because it was not possible to keep her on without damaging the seriousness of the advice.

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman confirms 12,725 people have come forward to support the health and care sector, including retired health professionals or students in healthcare.

Of this number, 1,370 are registered within NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, 1,700 within NHS Lothian and the remaining are through the dedicated NHS Education for Scotland recruitment drive she says.

Breaking these down, Ms Freeman says 21% of them are nurses, 24% are nursing students, 10% are doctors and 13% are professionals in social care.

In his opening remarks Dr Gregor Smith, the new interim chief medical officer for Scotland, did not mention his predecessor.

But he did pay tribute to health and social care staff across the country "who are contributing so much just now".

Dr Smith said an "incredible amount of work and commitment" is being displayed as part of the nationwide response to Covid-19.

He also said it is important the views of frontline staff are taken into account going forward.

Dr Smith also had a message for any members of the public who fall ill for reasons other than coronavirus.

He said: "The NHS is there for you just now. It is open and, if you need it, it is important that you try to access it."

Ms Sturgeon announces £166,000 to support those with drug and alcohol issues as this time, including to provide naloxone to reverse overdose issues.

An additional £8m is being made available to third sector organisations, including for those providing accommodation to the homeless and food for families she says.

Further guidance on construction will be published this afternoon on the precautionary principle that sites should not be open unless they are contributing to the health and wellbeing of the nation she says.

The first minister confirms testing capacity has quadrupled and 5,000 NHS workers and their families have now been tested.

The absence rate in the NHS due to Covid-19 is under 6% she adds.

Ms Sturgeon says PPE is being delivered across Scotland and Health Protection Scotland is keeping a close watch on distribution.

Ms Sturgeon says: "There is almost certainly worse still to come before we turn the corner on this virus."

She reiterates the NHS Inform website should be the first port of call, but patients should call 111 is symptoms are worsening.

The number of calls made to NHS 24 has fallen from 12,000 a day when the new system opened down to just over 4,000 calls on Friday she says.

The benefits are being felt across the country, she adds.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon confirms a home-care worker in West Dunbartonshire has died from Covid-19.

This is a reminder of the dedication, expertise and courage of those working in health and social care she says.

Ms Sturgeon goes on to confirm 3,961 people have tested positive for coronavirus in Scotland, up 255 from yesterday.

A further two people with coronavirus have died, taking the total to 222.

199 people are in intensive care with suspected or confirmed cases of Covid-19, while 1,599 patients are in hospital.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will provide her daily update on the coronavirus outbreak shortly after 12:30pm.

You will be able to watch it here on the live page, on BBC One Scotland and the BBC Scotland channel, or listen to it with BBC Radio Scotland.

Image source, Getty Images

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