Nicola Sturgeon says "mass gatherings" of 500 people should be cancelled from Monday
UK government only considering banning major events at the moment says prime minister
From Friday, people with coronavirus symptoms should stay at home for a period of seven days
They should not call their GP or NHS 24 unless their condition deteriorates
UK coronavirus-related deaths rise to 10
There are now 60 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Scotland
Image source, Twitter/Scottish governmentThe first minister is expected shortly
Nicola Sturgeon will shortly hold a press conference on coronavirus, following the Cobra meeting earlier this afternoon.
Image source, bbcTwo more people have died after testing positive for coronavirus, bringing the total number of UK deaths to 10.
There are now 590 confirmed cases in the UK, up from 456 on Wednesday - with 491 in England, 60 in Scotland,20 in Northern Ireland and 19 in Wales.
It comes as the government is expected to announce within hours that it is stepping up its coronavirus response.
It is anticipated the UK will switch to tactics aimed at delaying its spread, rather than containing it.
Gatherings of more than 500 people should be cancelled from next week, the Scottish government is advising.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said this was to free up emergency services, including police and ambulance crews, to deal with coronavirus.
She said it was not necessary to close schools and universities yet, but added that would remain under review.
There have now been 60 cases confirmed in Scotland - a rise of 24 from Wednesday.
Image source, bbc/Scottish governmentThe UK is currently in the "containment" phase - the first stage of the government's four-part plan, external:
Image source, bbcCoronavirus and flu share many similar symptoms, making it difficult to diagnose without a test.
The main coronavirus symptoms to look out for are fever and a cough. Flu often has other symptoms too, such as a sore throat, while people with coronavirus may feel short of breath.
People who think they may be affected by coronavirus should check NHS inform,, external then ring your GP in office hours, or 111 out-of-hours
Image source, Getty ImagesTwo more people have died after testing positive for coronavirus, bringing the total number of UK deaths to 10.
There are now 60 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Scotland, with no deaths reported.
More than 110 countries have now reported coronavirus cases and the World Health Organization has declared the spread of the virus a pandemic.
Click here for the answers to a selection of readers' questions.
Image source, PA MediaTwo more people have died after testing positive for coronavirus, bringing the total number of UK deaths to 10.
There are now 590 confirmed cases in the UK, up from 456 on Wednesday - with 491 in England, 60 in Scotland,20 in Northern Ireland and 19 in Wales.
It comes as the government is expected to announce within hours that it is stepping up its coronavirus response.
It is anticipated the UK will switch to tactics aimed at delaying its spread, rather than containing it.
Labour MSP Colin Smyth asks about the appropriate cleaning on our trains and public transport.
Health Protection Scotland are providing all operators in the transport sector with guidance, the minister replies.
SNP MSP Stuart McMillan asks about information given to port operators about dealing with cruise liners.
Mr Matheson says the government recognises the importance of tourism and cruises.
There is an established protocol for dealing with port health matters, he explains.
The minister says the Scottish port sector has information and guidance from health boards in relation to coronavirus.
Tory MSP Michelle Ballantyne asks about the possible Covid-19 impact on public transport.
Transport Secretary Michael Matheson says the government is in contact with all public transport providers.
Ms Ballantyne asks about replacement drivers in rural areas.
The minister says all decisions are being made with expert advice in mind. He says they've asked operators to update and review contingency planning.
He says the situation is dynamic.
2.30-2.50pm: Portfolio Questions: Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity
2.50-4.45 pm:Stage 1 Debate: Animals and Wildlife (Penalties, Protections and Powers) (Scotland) Bill
4.45-5.15 pm: Urgent Ministerial statement: Coronavirus COVID-19
5.15 pm:Decision Time
The Scottish Greens Executive Committee has this afternoon taken the decision to cancel the party’s Spring Conference in light of the ongoing coronavirus situation.
Scottish Greens executive co-chair Ross Greer MSP said: “Due to the ongoing coronavirus situation the Scottish Greens Executive Committee has today taken the decision to cancel our upcoming conference.
"The health and wellbeing of our members and the public is our primary concern and it is with that in mind that we have taken this decision.”
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Image source, ReutersGatherings of more than 500 people should be cancelled from next week, the Scottish government is advising.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said this was to free up emergency services, including police and ambulance crews, to deal with coronavirus.
She said it was not necessary to close schools and universities yet, but added that would remain under review.
MSPs have also been told that they should expect a big spike in positive cases of Covid-19.
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The first minister and the health secretary will return to the chamber from 4.45pm to 5.15pm to allow MSPs to ask questions about the Coronavirus COVID-19.