Coronavirus death toll in Scotland reaches 47 as total number of cases rise by 179

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon confirmed the latest death toll at a virtual media briefing on Monday, announcing that a further six people had died from the Covid-19 strain.

The total number of confirmed cases in Scotland has also risen by 179 in the past day to 1,563.

Ms Sturgeon added that measures were being taken to free up NHS resources in a bid to prioritise care during the pandemic.

Health screenings such as breast, cervical and bowel cancer screenings will be postponed for up to 12 weeks. Pregnancy screenings would remain unaffected.

Work is also under way to turn the SEC in Glasgow into a field hospital with a capacity for 1,000 patients.

Ms Sturgeon said she expected the hospital to be ready within two weeks, but stressed that it may not be required.