First Minister Nicola Sturgeon gives a statement saying that the current stringent measures in force should remain for a further three weeks
The UK's coronavirus lockdown measures will be extended for at least three more weeks, First Secretary of State Dominic Raab has announced.
A truer picture on fatalities linked to Covid-19 shows that more than 1,000 people have died in Scotland
Scotland’s Championship, League 1 and League 2 football season has come to an end with a majority vote by its members
Willie Rennie from the Lib Dems seeks advice for non essential businesses that say they can operate safe social-distancing measures.
Nothing has changed there, insists the first minister.
"If what you are doing is not essential, you should be closed," says Ms Sturgeon. "We need to prioritise the fight against the virus and keep people safe."
Willie Rennie
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The first minister was asked by Scottish Greens health spokesperson Alison Johnstone whether the current 'test and trace' plan will be sufficient to manage the coronavirus after we exit lockdown.
Nicola Sturgeon said it would not be the only part of an exit strategy, but it would be a "key part", adding the Scottish government will need to expand the testing capacity beyond the 3,500 tests promised by the end of the month.
Quote MessageIt will mean expanding that network of how we trace contacts. Technology will also potentially have a part to play as well although there are significant issues around privacy that we have to work our way through
Nicola Sturgeon, FM
Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard has more questions on care homes, testing and staff absenteeism in that sector.
The first minister tells us there have been just over 12,300 tests, with just under 20% of those in social care, while pointing out that Scotland is publishing more up-to-date data than other areas of government in the UK.
She does not acknowledge that the Scottish government has been too slow to react.
This in an "ongoing process with new systems" and we are "resolving glitches along the way", says Ms Sturgeon.
Nicola Sturgeon has told opposition leaders during her virtual question and answer session that lockdown will continue beyond this week.
Quote MessageMy clear advice is that we must continue the lockdown measure for at least another three weeks."
Nicola Sturgeon, First Minister of Scotland
Scottish Conservative leader Jackson Carlaw wants assurances for the residents of care homes and wants to know about testing for new residents.
"Every life matters," insists the first minister, who repeats that clear guidelines were issued at the start of the crisis and stresses that the government is doing all it can in terms of supplying PPE and the importance of using testing "effectively and strategically".
"Testing is only reliable when someone is showing symptoms," Nicola Sturgeon reminds us, while acknowledging that implementing social distancing measures in care homes is "really tough".
On testing generally, she says Scotland is on track for "3,500 a day and beyond".
While Scotland is seeing fluctuations in figures we are not seeing "significant or sustained increases" in hospital admissions or intensive care patients, Nicola Sturgeon says.
The first minister is due to take part in a COBRA meeting with other UK nations later today to discuss extending the existing three-week lockdown.
She said her continued message was for people to stay at home.
Quote MessageI will not begin to do so [ease the lockdown] until I am convinced we have done as much as is necessary to suppress the virus and we have a clear plan in place to contain it.
Nicola Sturgeon, First minister
Scotland's lockdown will not be lifted until the first minister is convinced the government has done "as much as necessary" to suppress the coronavirus and has a containment plan is in place.
Nicola Sturgeon says she believes current measures are having a "positive effect" but we are "by no means through this".
The first minister has given an update on the latest coronavirus figures via virtual FMQs
The latest figures are as follows:
She explains that the number she quotes on deaths is not the true total. When other statistics, released weekly by the National Records of Scotland, are added the total deaths are more than 1,000.
Image source, Getty ImagesNicola Sturgeon answered questions on a video link for the first time last week
This week’s Leaders’ Virtual Questions will begin at 12.30 pm with a short opening statement by Nicola Sturgeon.
The first minister will provide an update on the latest developments from the coronavirus epidemic in Scotland.
Ms Sturgeon will then take questions from the following opposition party leaders:
Tomorrow, for the first time, backbench MSPs will put questions about the Scottish government's COVID-19 response to ministers via video link.
Good Morning Scotland
BBC Radio Scotland
During his interview with GMS this morning, Scotland's national clinical director tackled several areas that have become key issues during the coronavirus pandemic.
Prof Jason Leitch said:
A vast majority of smartphone owners must install the app, if it is to end the coronavirus epidemic.
Read More
Lunchtime Live
BBC Radio Scotland
Lunchtime Live is about to begin on BBC Radio Scotland, here are the top stories it will cover:
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Image source, Getty ImagesEasyJet plans to keep the middle seat on its planes empty to allow for social distancing once the Covid-19 lockdown has been lifted.
The airline grounded its entire fleet at the end of March.
EasyJet chief executive Johan Lundgren expects the seating measure will encourage more people to fly.
"That is something that we will do because I think that is something that the customers would like to see," he said.
"Then we will work out with the authorities and listen to the customers' views and points on what they believe is the right thing to do, particularly in the start-up period."
Image source, PAThis photo of two divers holding a message of support for the NHS 110 metres below the North Sea was issued by the RMT Union.
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Image source, SNSThe SPFL's handling of the vote to curtail the lower leagues due to the coronavirus crisis has been an "absolute mess" and should be investigated, says Rangers manager Steven Gerrard.
The Championship and Leagues One and Two have ended after Dundee belatedly backed the league's resolution.
Rangers had previously called for an inquiry and the suspension of SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster.
"The SPFL have said they're open to an internal investigation but I don't agree with that because you shouldn't really be allowed to mark your own homework," Gerrard told Sky Sports this morning. "If you mark you're own homework, you're always going to come top of the class. There's not going to be any questions asked."
Mornings with Kaye Adams
BBC Radio Scotland
And what about keeping your household happy during lockdown?
"Listening is so important," says former hostage negotiator Craig White.
"Recognise that the dynamic has changed, separate the issues and work out how best to address them," he adds, before stressing the importance of a good old rant.
"When people are emotional and irrational, they are not able to listen," he explains. "Dealing with a highly emotional adult is not that different from dealing with a toddler.
"Giving people time to vent is a good investment because trying to force your solution isn't going to work. Follow that up with validation - saying it's okay to have different needs."
Image source, University of BathMedicines will be tested in the lungs of patients in intensive care in order to fast track new treatments for Covid-19.
The "STOPCOVID" initiative at Edinburgh University is to use existing drugs provided by leading drug companies and smaller biotech firms.
The team has unique expertise in administering drugs in the lung and assessing if tissues heal.
The project has been given the backing of top scientific and medical advisors.