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MSPs return to the chamber today, with a raft of statements from ministers on the Scottish government's reaction to the coronavirus outbreak and a session of FMQs at the end of the day.

Here's what's happening at Holyrood:

2:05pm: Covid-19 Statement from Health Secretary Jeane Freeman

2.35pm: Covid-19 Statement from Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf

3.15pm: Covid-19 Statement from Economy Secretary Fiona Hyslop

3.45pm: Topical questions on schools and young people

4.15pm: First Minister’s Questions

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Chris McCall of The Scotsman asks how long the Scottish economy can sustain the current lockdown restrictions.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon invites Chief Economist Gary Gillespie to answer the question.

He says that the current situation is "unprecedented". The longer it goes on, the greater the risk to the economy, he says.

He said his report on the State of the Economy made it clear that the worst thing we could do is lift the restrictions too quickly and have a resurgence in the virus, leading to further restrictions at a later date.

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The first minister is asked if the Scottish Qualification Authority's decision to try to award grades to pupils which are in line with a school's previous results will not punish some pupils for the school's past failures?

Ms Sturgeon said the process of marking, which will replace exams this year, is designed to promote fairness.

"It is designed to ensure an A-pass in one school means the same as an A-pass in any other school," she says.

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In answer to a question on schools, the first minister tells the briefing that no decision has yet been taken on when they will reopen.

Earlier, Education Secretary John Swinney told the BBC's Good Morning Scotland programme that he expected schools to be closed until after the summer.

Ms Sturgeon said that decision had not yet been taken and it would be driven by work assessing the progress of the virus.

"We will set out the key principles that will drive that later this week," she says.

"I don't want anyone taking from the comments made today that schools won't be opening before the summer, because that is not the case."

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How would Nicola Sturgeon rate her government's performance on the prevention of deaths in care homes, asks James Matthews from Sky News.

The first minister says she does not want to simplify the issue in the way the question is inviting her to.

"What we have seen in countries all over the world is the impact this is having in care homes," she says.

Ms Sturgeon says there are ongoing challenges and they are doing everything they can to support care homes.

"Everybody feels the importance and priority of this intensely," she says.

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Is any amount of economic damage a price worth paying in order to save lives, the BBC's Glenn Campbell asks First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.

Ms Sturgeon says it should not be a "trade-off" between saving lives on the one hand and the economy on the other.

"The only solid basis for a sustainable economic recovery is a population that is not facing the threat of a rampaging virus," she says.

The first minister says the challenges are "interlinked".

She says she understands the deep damage of the lockdown on the economy. However, if we come out early and the virus is resurgent, then even-stricter measures may be required. That will potentially do even greater damage to the economy, she says.

Scotland’s Chief Economist Gary Gillespie begins: "Covid-19 has created an economic crisis."

Closing businesses or ensuring strict social distancing for those remaining open is to support the health service, he says.

Estimates suggest 22% of businesses are closed, impacting 900,000 jobs and a third of the business base, he explains. More widely, it is expected economic output will drop by a third over the period social distancing is in place.

Mr Gillespie highlights claims for universal credit have risen, as has unemployment.

"The speed and scale of impacts is significant but it is important to recognise it is different to a normal economic downturn," he adds.

The chief economist says the recovery of the economy must mirror the health response or else undermine efforts made. The path and time of recovery depend on a range of factors, and not all sectors will come back immediately, he says.

His State of the Economy report, external is here.

Interim Chief Medical Officer Dr Gregor Smith says eating well and exercising regularly is essential at this time.

We are all adjusting the ways we plan and enjoy our food - including perhaps enjoying meals together using technology, he says.

"Loneliness is a terrible and harmful thing," Dr Smith says and he urges people to reach out to anyone they know who is alone.

He says there is plenty of exercise which can be done at home. But if you go outside, stay local and only involve your household.

Smoking may contribute to the severity of Covid-19, Dr Smith says, and he recommends people cut down or stop and at least wash hands after smoking.

He also points out the negative impact alcohol can have in the immune system.

Coronavirus has plunged the world into uncertainty and the constant news about the pandemic can feel relentless. All of this is taking its toll on people's mental health. So where can you go for support?

NHS Inform, external: As well as providing the most up to date guidance on physical health during the pandemic, the website also has a range of tools to support wellbeing - including guides to coping with depression and anxiety.

SAMH, external: Tips on protecting your mental health at this difficult time, including a blog series.

There are also a number of helplines available over the phone if you need someone to talk to...

• Breathing Space, external: A weekend and night-time service run by NHS 24:0800 83 85 87.
• Age Scotland, external: An advice and support line specifically for older people:0800 12 44 222.
• NSPCC Scotland, external: A support line for children and young people:0800 1111.
• Samaritans, external: A 24/7 service for crisis support:116 123.

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The first minister turns to mental health and says the government has launched the Clear Your Head campaign which starts today.

It highlights practical steps to help mental health via sticking to routine and keeping in touch with people, she explains.

The campaign also points people to advice, such as that from NHS Inform and NHS 24 Breathing Space, the Samaritans and SAMH.

The first minister says the campaign recognises the lockdown is tough for everyone.

"It is OK not to be feeling OK at times right now."

She says we must all look out for each other and if you need help please reach out for it.

1. NHS Inform, external

The latest from NHS Scotland and the Scottish government, including social distancing and stay at home advice.

2. Ready Scotland, external

Staying at home does not mean you are alone - there are many ways you can help your community.

3. Citizens Advice Scotland, external

Providing advice on benefits and employment rights.

4. Business Support, external

The latest advice and support for businesses.

5. Parent Club, external

Useful information on how to cope with home schooling and keeping your family safe.

The first minister says there are new amendments to regulations for social gatherings and non-essential business activities.

Ms Sturgeon tells the briefing some of these amendments strengthen the regulations.

All businesses must take reasonable measures to ensure workers are 2m from each other, for example, and police will now have the power to enforce this, she says.

Livestock markets and foreign exchange markets will be able to continue to operate, she says.

The first minister says she is very gratefull to all businesses that have closed or have ensured social distancing.

Image source, getty

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The first minister warns that to move out of lockdown too early and then have to reimpose restrictions would have more economic damage.

The work to be published at the end of the week will set out the principles that will govern a return to normal life as much as is possible.

Ms Sturgeon says business and workers are facing extraordinary demands and the government must provide extraordinary support to them.

The health of the economy must be considered as emerging from the lockdown is considered, she says.

The first minister explains the plans to be published later this week will look at some of the factors that need to be weighed up as the government works toward a point where some businesses can be allowed to reopen.

Albeit, this reopening will have to have appropriate social distancing, she adds.

Ms Sturgeon says the economic harm is not reason enough to come out of lockdown early.

Dealing with the public health crisis and suppressing the virus is an absolute prerequisite for economic recovery, she adds.

Image source, getty

The state of the economy report shows Scotland's economic output could fall by a third during this period of social distancing, says the first minister.

Today's unemployment and employment statistics don't yet reflect the crisis, she says.

Since 15 March, there have been 130,000 new claimants for Universal Credit, Ms Sturgeon explains.

She says the overall package of support for businesses in Scotland totals more than £2.3bn.

The economy secretary will detail this afternoon how £100m will be used to support those who have become recently self-employed.

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The first minister says registrations over weekends is lower than during the week, so today's higher figure is a reflection of that.

Tomorrow, National Records of Scotland will publish figures of people who have died with suspected Covid-19 as well as those who have tested positive, she says.

"I want to extend my sincere and deepest condolences to everyone who has lost a loved one."

Nicola Sturgeon praises health and social care workers and thanks all key workers.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon confirms 8,672 people have tested positive for Covid-19, an increase of 222 from yesterday.

1,866 patients are in hospital with a suspected or confirmed case (up 57), with 166 being treated in intensive care (a decrease of three). This continues a downward trajectory of people being moved to ICU.

A further 70 people have died with coronavirus, taking the total to 985 deaths in Scotland.