THE number of deaths in Scotland as a result of coronavirus has risen by 2 to 16.
The total number of confirmed cases also sits at 584, though Health Secretary Jeane Freeman says the true figures are probably closer to 2,500.
Nicola Sturgeon confirmed the latest numbers while updating the Scottish Parliament today.
READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon: Holyrood will enforce coronavirus lockdown if necessary
Speaking afterwards, Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said plans already announced to double the number of intensive care bed had been increased, with the target upped to more than 700.
She added: "A pipeline of ventilators is slated to come to Scotland over the coming weeks to enable this increase and we are working with suppliers to do all we can so that they can be brought here as soon as is humanly possible."
The Health Secretary also stressed it is "critical" to protect those at the highest risk from infection – who have already been asked to self-isolate for the next 12 weeks.
They will receive a "package of support" co-ordinated by newly established humanitarian assistance centres, which will offer deliveries of medication and food, along with help managing medical conditions.
Freeman told the chamber there will be a "new national contract" put in place to facilitate food deliveries but it is unclear what this entails.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here