THERE have been 16 new confirmed cases of coronavirus in the last 24 hours in Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon has announced.

Speaking at the Scottish Government's briefing, she said 18,500 people have tested positive for Covid-19 north of the Border since the start of the pandemic.

She added provisional figures indicate four of the new cases are in Lanarkshire and added there are now 24 cases linked to the outbreak at the Sitel call centre in the region, up from 20 yesterday.

No deaths of people who tested positive for the virus have been recorded for a week running, meaning the number of people to die after receiving a positive Covid-19 test remains at 2491.

Sturgeon also announced changes for people who are shielding beginning tomorrow.

She said: "From tomorrow, if you are shielding you will be able to meet indoors with up to eight people from up to two other households, as long as physical distancing is in place.

"You will also be able to meet outdoors in groups of up to 15 people from a maximum of four other households.

“You can use public transport - including taxis - while wearing a face covering.

"You can go to outdoor spaces in pubs and restaurants. You can go to indoor shops, pharmacies and indoor markets. You can attend hairdressers and barbers. You can visit museums, galleries, libraries, cinemas."

Sturgeon said that "as things stand", the shielding advice will come to an end from August 1.