Summary

  • Fifteen additional deaths have been reported; there are now 824 Covid-positive patients in hospital and 69 of those people are in ICU

  • The daily positive test tally is 1,456 but that will include "catch-up" results from previous days

  • Medical chief Jason Leitch reports that virus cases appear to have been "blunted" but they have not necessarily "peaked"

  • Nicola Sturgeon is due to meet opposition leaders to discuss proposals for a new tiered approach to the pandemic

  • Businesses can start applying today for a share of the Scottish government’s £40m package for licensed premises

Live Reporting

BBC Scotland News

  1. Grant application process open for pubs and restaurants

    A woman walks past a cafe in EdinburghPA Media

    The hospitality sector wants to see support extended if additional restrictions are imposed

    Businesses can start applying today for a share of the Scottish government’s £40m package for licensed premises affected by coronavirus restrictions.

    Venues such as pubs and restaurants will be able to apply for grants up to £3,000 if they have been closed and £1500 if they are still open but with reduced trade.

    Stuart Mackinnon, from the Federation of Small Businesses, told Good Morning Scotland that "even Scottish government ministers concede this funding isn’t sufficient to fully compensate firms for the trading they have lost during this period".

    “It might be enough for some businesses to see them through," he added. "What we will need to see, especially if restrictions are extended beyond next week into the winter and spring, are additional rounds of support for firms. The scale and shape of that support needs to match the restrictions.”

  2. Covid-19 in Scotland: The headlines

    A nurse working on the Covid ward at St John's Hospital in Livingston
    • Hospital staff in one of Scotland's Covid hotspots have shared a sense of foreboding over what they will face in the coming months after a rapid rise in hospital admissions
    • Nicola Sturgeon is due to meet opposition leaders to discuss proposals for a new tiered approach to the pandemic
    • A new tiered approach to restrictions is expected to be announced shortly, with current measures for hospitality ending next week.
    • Pubs and restaurants can start applying today for a share of the Scottish government’s £40m package for licensed premises affected by coronavirus restrictions
    • The UK is pushing to be the first nation to carry out "human challenge" studies where healthy people will be deliberately exposed to Covid
    • Unpaid carers are being pushed to the limit by the loss of vital services according to charity Carers Scotland, who have called for more support

  3. Covid in Scotland: Restrictions, guidance and advice

    1. Scottish government's new restrictions

    The challenge Scotland faces has also been set out in an evidence paper published by senior clinical advisors

    2. Download the Protect Scotland app from NHS Scotland

    3. Test and Protect

    If you have Covid-19 symptoms go immediately to NHS Inform online or phone 0800 028 2816 to book a test

    4. NHS Inform

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

    5. Clear Your Head

    It's ok to not feel yourself right now, here's some great tips to help people through the pandemic

    6. BBC Scotland articles:

  4. Good afternoon and welcome

    A woman and child walks past graffiti in Edinburgh saying 'Covid-19 World Tour'PA Media

    Good afternoon and welcome to BBC Scotland's rolling coverage of the Covid-19 pandemic in Scotland this Tuesday, 20 October 2020.

    Nicola Sturgeon will be delivering an update shortly at the Scottish government's daily briefing, starting at 12:15.

    The first minister will be joined by Social Security Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville and National Clinical Director Professor Jason Leitch.

    You can follow the latest developments right here and watch or listen live by clicking on one of the tabs above - for coverage on BBC One Scotland, the BBC Scotland channel or BBC Radio Scotland.