Two deaths have been recorded in the past 24 hours of people who tested positive for coronavirus in Scotland, taking the total to 2,472.
The figures were published as part of the Scottish Government’s daily statistical update as Scotland enters its first weekend since moving into phase two of the four-step plan to ease lockdown.
The statistics indicate that as of 9am on Saturday, 18,130 people have tested positive for the virus in Scotland, up by 26 from 18,104 the previous day.
READ MORE: Families 'failed by secrecy' over confidential QEUH infections evidence
Of those who have tested positive, 519 were in hospital on Friday night.
A total of 14 patients were in intensive care with either confirmed or suspected Covid-19, a fall of five in 24 hours.
The figures also indicate 3,967 patients who tested positive have been discharged from hospital since March 5.
A statement published with the figures said: “This will be an underestimate of the number of cases.
“Not everyone with the virus will display symptoms and not all those with symptoms will be tested.”
Coronavirus is “firmly in retreat” in Scotland, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said on Friday, as some changes similar to those already in place in England came into effect.
They allow people who live alone or solely with under-18s to meet another household indoors without physical distancing in an “extended household group arrangement”, similar to the “bubbles” in place south of the border.
READ MORE: Protesters converge on George Square despite police warnings
People can also now meet in larger groups outside, and other changes allow greater freedom for those who are shielding.
More easing of lockdown is due to come into effect on Monday, when places of worship can reopen for private prayers, with social distancing and enhanced hygiene measures in place.
Face coverings will become mandatory on public transport, amid an anticipated rise in use.
The following Monday, non-essential shops which have street access can reopen, along with zoos, playgrounds, sports courts and some indoor workplaces, including factories.
Why are you making commenting on The Herald only available to subscribers?
It should have been a safe space for informed debate, somewhere for readers to discuss issues around the biggest stories of the day, but all too often the below the line comments on most websites have become bogged down by off-topic discussions and abuse.
heraldscotland.com is tackling this problem by allowing only subscribers to comment.
We are doing this to improve the experience for our loyal readers and we believe it will reduce the ability of trolls and troublemakers, who occasionally find their way onto our site, to abuse our journalists and readers. We also hope it will help the comments section fulfil its promise as a part of Scotland's conversation with itself.
We are lucky at The Herald. We are read by an informed, educated readership who can add their knowledge and insights to our stories.
That is invaluable.
We are making the subscriber-only change to support our valued readers, who tell us they don't want the site cluttered up with irrelevant comments, untruths and abuse.
In the past, the journalist’s job was to collect and distribute information to the audience. Technology means that readers can shape a discussion. We look forward to hearing from you on heraldscotland.com
Comments & Moderation
Readers’ comments: You are personally liable for the content of any comments you upload to this website, so please act responsibly. We do not pre-moderate or monitor readers’ comments appearing on our websites, but we do post-moderate in response to complaints we receive or otherwise when a potential problem comes to our attention. You can make a complaint by using the ‘report this post’ link . We may then apply our discretion under the user terms to amend or delete comments.
Post moderation is undertaken full-time 9am-6pm on weekdays, and on a part-time basis outwith those hours.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel