Summary

  • As of Monday at 9am, there have been 1,262 deaths of people with Covid-19 in Scottish hospitals - up 13 on yesterday

  • PM Boris Johnson returns to work and makes an address outside 10 Downing Street

  • He asks the public to "contain your impatience" as the country comes out of its first phase "of this conflict, and we have so nearly succeeded"

  • Research by BBC Scotland has found that thousands of vulnerable people have lost homecare packages during the lockdown

  • Five military-staffed mobile testing units will be operational in Scotland from this week

  • Health secretary Jeane Freeman says a labelling issue on PPE stuck at Prestwick Airport after being flown in from China will be resolved this week

  1. Can construction industry start getting back to work?published at 13:07 British Summer Time 27 April 2020

    Jim Matthews from Sky wants to know if the construction industry can get back to work if it can implement safe, social distancing?

    "I'm not saying anything different," stresses the first minister. "The guidance has not changed."

    "We will continue to engage directly with businesses," she says and explains that things may change in the coming weeks with "open and transparent" discussions ongoing.

  2. Scotland 'on track' for 3,500 tests a daypublished at 13:04 British Summer Time 27 April 2020

    BBC Scotland's Glenn Campbell asks the first minister if she is "working as one" with newly returned prime minister Boris Johnson and wants to know what Scotland's contribution will be if the UK reaches the stated target of 100,000 tests a day.

    Nicola Sturgeon replies that Scotland is on track to reach 3,500 tests a day and hopes the numbers will go beyond that, while adding there will be more details on the drive-through centres to come this week.

    On the prime minister, she says it's "good to see him back".

    "The only thing I care about is keeping the damage this virus can do to a minimum - it's not driven by political or constitutional concerns."

  3. GPs to remain open over May bank holidaypublished at 13:01 British Summer Time 27 April 2020

    Health Secretary Jeane Freeman confirms GP practices and community pharmacies will remain open over the May bank holiday.

    GPs and pharmacists are there for communities to help answer health questions, she says.

    Quote Message

    Please do not think that you can't use them. Please do not think that you are troubling anyone. You are doing what we want you to do."

    Jeane Freeman, Health Secretary

  4. 'Avoidable injuries' warning from interim CMOpublished at 12:58 British Summer Time 27 April 2020

    Gregor Smith

    Scotland’s interim chief medical officer Dr Gregor Smith says colleagues are seeing an increase in the number of people attending health services with cardiac or stroke symptoms.

    He welcomes this and urges anyone with chest pains, new muscle weakness or difficulty speaking to get help.

    But Dr Smith says more people are presenting to A&E after accidents.

    He urges people to take extra care on roads and follow all safety advice if undertaking DIY projects at home.

    "We now need to ensure that everyone who needs care is receiving it," he says, including ensuring avoidable injuries are kept to a minimum.

  5. Online courses available to upskill says FMpublished at 12:50 British Summer Time 27 April 2020

    Ms Sturgeon says Skills Development Scotland have updated their World of Work website, external to help people find new courses.

    The first minister explains the range of courses will be expanded in the coming months.

    World of Work websiteImage source, Skills Development Scotland

    She says doing courses like this may not be an option for everyone, if you are caring for someone for example.

    However it could make sense for some people to learn new skills at this time, if they have been furloughed.

    The courses are open to everyone, she says.

  6. FM: People should not be going out and about more nowpublished at 12:48 British Summer Time 27 April 2020

    Ms Sturgeon warns a premature lifting of restrictions would lead to more damage to the economy

    The first minister says businesses should not contemplate opening unless they can ensure social distancing at all times and meeting all the guidelines.

    Ms Sturgeon says people should not be going out and about more than at the beginning of the lockdown.

    She says she knows this gets more difficult with every day that passes but the restrictions are essential.

  7. 'This is certainly not a time to throw caution to the wind'published at 12:46 British Summer Time 27 April 2020

    Nicola Sturgeon

    The first minister says there is evidence the efforts of the public are making a real difference.

    Ms Sturgeon says this progress remains very fragile and she calls for caution.

    "This is certainly not a time to throw caution to the wind."

    She warns the reproduction rate - the number of new cases generated by each case - could rise again above one, increasing the spread and leading to more deaths

    All of the restrictions need to stay in place for now, she says.

    "The job is not done yet."

    She says lifting the restrictions will not be the flick of a switch but be gradual and she pledges to say more about this issue in the coming days.

  8. NHS has not been overwhelmed says FMpublished at 12:42 British Summer Time 27 April 2020

    The first minister says: "We are now seeing some real signs of progress.

    "The number of people in intensive care has fallen by about a third in the last fortnight."

    Ms Sturgeon points out the number of people in hospital has broadly stabilised and the trend may well be a downward one.

    She says the NHS has not been overwhelmed.

    The number of daily deaths has yet to decline, but she hopes to see that happen in the next couple of weeks.

  9. Holyrood to hold minute's silence to honour frontline staffpublished at 12:39 British Summer Time 27 April 2020

    Nicola Sturgeon thanks health and care workers who continue to do incredible work and indeed all key workers for their efforts.

    The first minister says tomorrow on International Workers Day the Scottish Parliament will join a minute's silence at 11am, to honour those frontline workers who have lost their lives tackling this pandemic.

    The silence will provide an opportunity to pay tribute to those who have died helping others, she says, adding the the government's primary obligation is to keep health and care workers safe.

    The first minister pledges to do everything she can to fulfil that obligation.

  10. Further 13 deaths from Covid-19published at 12:36 British Summer Time 27 April 2020
    Breaking

    First Minister Nicola Sturgeon confirms 10,521 people have tested positive for Covid-19, an increase of 197 from yesterday.

    1,762 patients are in hospital with a suspected or confirmed case (up 27), with 134 being treated in intensive care (up one).

    Since 5 March, 2,380 people who tested positive have been released from hospital.

    A further 13 people who tested positive for coronavirus have died, taking the total to 1,262 deaths in Scotland. She points out that there are some delays to registration of deaths at the weekend, and these figures may be higher in the coming days.

  11. Scottish government briefing begins shortly...published at 12:25 British Summer Time 27 April 2020

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  12. Is it too early to expand our 'social bubbles'?published at 12:22 British Summer Time 27 April 2020

    FamilyImage source, Getty Images

    One option being touted as governments consider easing lockdown is to allow people to slightly expand their "social bubbles" - meaning they'd be able to see a select number of friends and family.

    It's unclear how the rule would be policed, and there are concerns about the dangers of introducing the idea too soon.

    It also promises a whole new sort of social problem - who do you pick? And what if the person you choose doesn't, in turn, choose you?

    Read more here.

  13. 'There's only one of me and there is no respite' - carers struggle during lockdownpublished at 12:15 British Summer Time 27 April 2020

    Mornings with Kaye Adams
    BBC Radio Scotland

    There are nearly 750,000 unpaid carers in Scotland, looking after loved ones living with an illness, disability, mental health condition or as they grow older.

    From today, those carers will be able to obtain protective equipment from new local hubs, while there are helplines to call and advice available online.

    But social distancing restrictions and the closure of facilities are making life tough.

    Miriam Gwynne, is a carer to her husband, two children and mum, - across two homes, and she told BBC Radio Scotland: "Everything has fallen apart since the shutdown.

    "There's only one of me and there is no respite. I wonder 'can I continue this level of care?' With no school, I can't get a break for an hour.

    Kate McNaughton, who cares for the complex needs of her 42-year-old son, echoed those sentiments, saying: "I'm worried about how I can cope as the weeks go on.

    "Daycare was our breathing space and that is gone.

    "Calling someone if you are struggling is good, but this is endless hands-on care."

  14. Analysis: Johnson directly addresses concernspublished at 12:04 British Summer Time 27 April 2020

    Jessica Parker
    BBC political correspondent

    After weeks away, suffering with coronavirus, Boris Johnson wanted to show he was back behind the desk and taking charge.

    His government has rejected any claims that his absence created a sense of drift, but the prime minister - like or loathe his politics - is capable of communicating in a way his cabinet colleagues can’t.

    He directly addressed concerns that have increasingly been aired in recent days, including by his own MPs, about the effect the lockdown was having on the economy. He also addressed evidence that some were beginning to tire of the restrictions.

    The overall message was that people needed to hold tight. “Contain your impatience,” he said. The risk of a second peak clearly remains a key driver in the government’s thinking.

    But Johnson also made it clear the government understood that this couldn't go on forever, and he sought to reassure the public that an exit strategy was being mapped out, even if it wasn't being spelled out.

  15. Lunchtime Live begins shortly...published at 11:49 British Summer Time 27 April 2020

    Lunchtime Live
    BBC Radio Scotland

    Lunchtime Live begins shortly, here's what's on the programme today:

    • Boris Johnson is back in Downing street after recovering from coronavirus
    • thousands of elderly and disabled people across Scotland have lost their homecare support during the outbreak
    • live coverage of the Scottish government briefing
    • and after weeks of strict lockdown, Spanish children enjoy a taste of freedom

    As ever you can listen to the programme here with us.

  16. Got a question for the UK government?published at 11:42 British Summer Time 27 April 2020

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  17. Can Scottish tourism bounce back?published at 11:35 British Summer Time 27 April 2020

    Mornings with Kaye Adams
    BBC Radio Scotland

    The Plockton HotelImage source, Getty Images

    The domestic market and innovation will be key in reviving Scotland's tourism industry, says Marc Crothall, chief executive of the Scottish Tourism Alliance.

    Reports suggest visitor numbers are already down by around one million from this time last year, with £245m lost to the economy.

    "It will be a very different landscape and we will need to adopt new ways of working," he tells BBC Radio Scotland. "There will be huge work required to rebuild consumer confidence in the first instance.

    "We will be very dependent on the domestic market but there will be questions of affordability, while the return of international visitors is obviously dependent on what happens with the airlines.

    "Some 70% of our business is from within the UK, with 50% coming from within Scotland, so we need to get them back out and about and spending money.

    "There will be areas of the industry that can open up before others but all of that depends on what is communicated by the government."

  18. Confused? Here is where to find the latest advicepublished at 11:26 British Summer Time 27 April 2020

    Confused journalistImage source, bbc

    There is a flood of information appearing across news channels and social media and it can be difficult to keep on top of the latest advice.

    So here are our top tips of six places to go to answer your questions...

    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.

    6. Clear Your Head, external

    It's ok to not feel yourself right now, and there are some great tips to help get you through all this here.

  19. Paisley care home deaths double to 22published at 11:21 British Summer Time 27 April 2020

    Elderly handsImage source, PA

    The number of suspected coronavirus deaths at a care home in Paisley has doubled to 22.

    On 15 April it emerged 11 residents had died at Elderslie care home.

    But operators Advinia confirmed a further 11 people have died since then.

    An undisclosed number of patients are displaying Covid-19 symptoms and are being barrier nursed at the 120-room home.

    A spokesman said: "Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of each resident at this sad time.

    "Our dedicated team at the home is led by a Queen’s nurse of many years and all of our compassionate colleagues are pulling together to do their very best by the residents at this challenging time."

  20. Johnson thanks public for showing 'grit and guts'published at 11:16 British Summer Time 27 April 2020

    Media caption,

    Boris Johnson: I'm sorry I've been away from my desk longer than I would have liked

    Johnson thanks public for showing 'grit and guts'

    Watch Prime Minister Boris Johnson paying tribute to the UK for showing courage in fighting the coronavirus pandemic.