THE First Minister has confirmed that 1120 patients have died in Scotland after testing positive for coronavirus.

The new death toll is an increase of 58 from the 1062 announced yesterday.

The latest National Records of Scotland figures – which differ from the lab-confirmed coronavirus deaths announced daily by the Scottish Government because they include suspected or probable cases of Covid-19 – put the number of deaths at 1616.

Speaking at her daily coronavirus briefing at the Scottish Government headquarters in Edinburgh, Nicola Sturgeon said 9409 people have now tested positive for the virus in Scotland, up by 371 from 9038 the day before.

There are 148 people in intensive care with coronavirus or coronavirus symptoms, a decrease of seven.

There are 1748 people in hospital with confirmed or suspected Covid-19, down 28 from 1776.

The National:

The FM said the fall in number of those in hospital and intensive care are a cause for "real optimism".

She added: “It's really important for all of us to remember that each of these deaths represents a unique, loved, and irreplaceable individual, and I want to extend my deepest condolences to everyone who has lost a loved one."

"I want to again thank all our health and care workers right across the country. This evening, many thousands of us will yet again applaud your efforts. We are all so deeply grateful to you for the extraordinary work you are doing."

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