SNP MSP Alasdair Allan asks about arrangements for patients on islands who require the use of an air ambulance and have tested positive for coronavirus. Ms Sturgeon confirms air ambulances are properly equipped.

Labour MSP Pauline McNeill says the private sector is essential in responding to coronavirus, pointing to a Glasgow firm sourcing ventilators from China. She asks about support for such companies. The first minister confirms Trade and Investment Minister Ivan McKee is chairing a working group to coordinate efforts to mobilise the manufacturing base to respond to NHS shortages.

Tory MSP Miles Briggs says asks if the government has been approaching car parking companies to request they suspend charges during the period, particularly around hospitals. Ms Sturgeon confirms discussions are happening and if suspension of charges is not possible, the government will look at how it can cover the costs.

Wilie Rennie says the UK government will need to do more to keep food on the table and keep the roof over people's heads.

The Scottish Lib Dem leader calls for a reversal of National Insurance contributions and a boost of the social security system, and to deliver some sort of a citizen's income

He calls for a statement from the chancellor very quickly on this.

The first minister explains the Scottish government is talking with the UK government on all of these matters.

Ms Sturgeon accepts the health emergency is fast becoming an economic emergency.

The UK government is trying to do all the right thing, but accepts there is more to do, she adds.

There undoubtedly needs to be more from the UK government and moving to a citizen's income approach may be the right thing to do, says Ms Sturgeon.

We can't allow this health emergency to wreck the lives of people, she says, calling for a global economic intervention as well.

The key new government measures, external are:

• Everyone should avoid gatherings and crowded places, such as pubs, clubs and theatres
• Everyone should work from home if they can
• All "unnecessary" visits to friends and relatives in care homes should cease
• People should only use the NHS "where we really need to" - and can reduce the burden on workers by getting advice onthe NHS website, externalwhere possible
• By next weekend, those with the most serious health conditions must be "largely shielded from social contact for around 12 weeks"
• The UK is now "three weeks" behind Italy - the worst-hit country in Europe
• If one person in any household has a persistent cough or fever, everyone living there must stay at home for 14 days
• Those people should, if possible, avoid leaving the house "even to buy food or essentials" - but they may leave the house "for exercise and, in that case, at a safe distance from others"
• Schools will not be closed for the moment

Image source, bbc

Scottish Lib Dem leader Willie Rennie say a constituent of his is scared to death as all non-urgent surgery is being cancelled and fears his life-saving surgery will be postponed.

Mr Rennie says he knows that is not the case but asks what can be done to reassure this constituent.

The first minister explains that it is only non-urgent elective procedures that have been postponed, but all urgent, emergency and life-saving surgery is going ahead.

"I don't want people to be scared," Ms Sturgeon says.

She says however "this is not a drill, this is happening and people must follow the advice".

The first minister reiterates the advice, which is not optional, it is about saving lives.

Mr Harvie says one group most urgently in need of help is those losing their incomes but still facing rent demands. "I've heard of people being forced from their homes or threatened with this via measures not just related to rent arrears," he says.

"Isn't it clear we need a complete ban on evictions on any grounds and a rent holiday for those who need it," Mr Harvie asks.

"I rule nothing out and want to rule as much in as possible," replies Ms Sturgeon.

Nobody should face eviction from their home because of rent arrears relating to coronavirus, she adds.

The government will take action if any social landlords are taking steps to evict people, she confirms.

Scottish Green co-leader Patrick Harvie expresses "thanks and concern" for those working in the NHS, and those who have been undervalued for a long time such as carers and cleaners.

As social distancing measures become more important, voluntary community help may become more difficult, he says.

How can the government ensure people know how to help one another in the days and weeks ahead? he asks

The first minister says we are being reminded of what and who really matters in life in these "difficult and dark times".

She says she has heard heartwarming stories of communities coming together and we are looking at how to provide financial and other support to these efforts.

Mr Leonard says the cabinet secretary for health warns of potential absence rates of up to 30% of the NHS workforce.

The Scottish Labour leader says that is why there are calls for testing to be made available to frontline staff.

He asks the first minister to outline the timetable for increasing testing.

The first minister replies new and different kinds of test will be made available and she hopes there will be new and quicker tests soon.

Ms Sturgeon gives a commitment that key and critical workers will be tested and says the government is working at pace, with large numbers of people working around the clock to do all of this as quickly as possible.

Mr Leonard says more supplies of PPE (personal protective equipment) were distributed yesterday, but they were paper masks with an expiry date of 2016.

The Scottish Labour leader calls for a guarantee that the appropriate supplies will be made available and asks for reassurances for staff who feel they are being put at risk.

"We will do everything we can to protect those on the frontline," replies the first minister.

She reiterates advice has been given by Health Protection Scotland on this, but different equipment will be given to different staff.

On the issue of expiry dates the health secretary is considering that, she adds, but some supplies are being used because they are still safe to use.

Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard pays tribute to all of Scotland's NHS staff.

Mr Leonard says there is concern that two thirds of ambulance crews do not have the protective equipment they need.

The first minister says efforts are being made to properly and quickly address these concerns.

Health Protection Scotland has issued advice on what is available, but there are pressures on supplies.

However all that can be done will be done for those on the frontline, she says.

We will never owe those on the front line more than in the weeks to come, the first minister adds.

Mr Carlaw welcomes clarification for business and confirms his party will lend support the legislation.

Turning to childcare, the Scottish Tory leader says the closure of schools is unavoidable and asks what help is available for the childcare sector.

Ms Sturgeon says the government is guaranteeing the funding for the statutory entitlement will continue to go to nurseries and early learning providers even after schools have closed.

This will support key workers who are having to go to work, she adds.

Mr Carlaw asks if if the key worker definition will cover police officers. He goes on to urge the public to be patient as the governments are working flat out to provide as much clarity as possible.

The first minister confirms police officers will be included in the key worker list, along with all emergency services.

There must also be local flexibility on what a key worker is, she added, as something considered crucial in rural areas may not be in cities.

She says the Scottish government is aiming to be as transparent as possible throughout this challenge.

The first minister says in total there is a £2.2bn package of support to help sustain businesses and help them pay their staff fairly.

Ms Sturgeon explains the universal rates relief will be automatic.

The 100% rates relief for hospitality will require an application, she explains.

Discussions about the grant schemes are ongoing with the local authority umbrella body Cosla, the first minister adds.

Image source, bbc

The first minister says we now have three labs for tests and she hopes there will be the ability to carry out 3,000 tests every day.

Mr Carlaw turns to the economy and says there is a further need for support for individuals.

Scottish businesses face the toughest of times, he says and asks how the Scottish government will help Scottish businesses in the months ahead.

The Scottish Conservative leader asks how businesses should access information.

The first minister agrees this is an incredibly difficult time for business and staff.

Ms Sturgeon confirms all Barnett consequentials will go to businesses and details Scottish government support for business :

• Small and rural businesses will be able to apply for a £10,000 grant.
• Hospitality businesses will be given 12 months of business rates relief.
• Those with a rateable value of between £18,000 and £51,000 will be able to apply for a £25,000 grant.

Nicola Sturgeon says as of 9am there are 266 positive cases of coronavirus in Scotland, an increase of 39 from yesterday.

She regrets there have now been six deaths due to Coronavirus in Scotland.

Ms Sturgeon says those on the frontline of the NHS are the priority in terms of testing and it will be used to allow critical workers to get to work.

Scottish Conservative leader Jackson Carlaw begins first minister's questions by seeking clarification on the issue of testing.

Mr Carlaw says doctors are at home with what they think may be a cold but cannot be sure.

What are the priorities for testing, he asks.