28 new coronavirus cases in Lothians as deaths in Scotland rise by eight

Twenty-eight new coronavirus cases have been confirmed in the NHS Lothian board area, as the total number of deaths across Scotland increased by eight.

It brings the total number of positive coronavirus cases in the Lothians to 139 – up from 111 on Thursday.

Nicola Sturgeon confirmed earlier today there have been 1,059 positive coronavirus cases in Scotland, an increase of 165 since yesterday with eight further deaths, taking the total in Scotland to 33. Ms Sturgeon said that 72 coronavirus patients are in intensive care units.

Scotland now has more than 1,000 coronavirus cases. Pictures: Mark Scates, SNS/ Shutterstock.

It comes after Prime Minister Boris Johnson revealed on Friday morning that he has tested positive for coronavirus. Health Secretary Matt Hancock is also working from home after he too tested positive.

The latest Scottish Government figures showed 12,273 tests for coronavirus have been done in Scotland with 1,059 coming back positive and 11,214 negative.

Coronavirus symptoms

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that can affect lungs and airways. It is caused by a virus called coronavirus.

Coronavirus is a respiratory disease which seems to start with a fever, followed by a dry cough. After a week it leads to shortness of breath and some patients require hospital treatment.

In more severe cases, coronavirus can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, multiple organ failure and even death.

Those with weakened immune systems - older people and those with underlying health conditions like asthma or heart disease - are more likely to become severely ill.

The World Health Organisation says the incubation period lasts up to 14 days.

Protecting yourself against coronavirus

The Scottish Government website offers the following advice from NHS Inform to help reduce the risk of getting and spreading respiratory infections by:

- Avoiding direct hand contact with your eyes, nose and mouth.

- Maintaining good hand hygiene - washing hands with soap and water or alcohol sanitiser: After coughing or sneezing; going to toilet; before eating and drinking.

- Avoiding direct contact with people that have respiratory illness and avoid using their personal items such as mobile phones.

- Covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing with disposable tissues and disposing of them in the nearest waste bin after use.

Anyone who thinks they may be affected by coronavirus should call the NHS 111 phone service for further advice.

According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, there have been more than 528,000 cases of coronavirus worldwide with over 23,600 deaths.

The outbreak originated in China's Hubei province in December before spreading globally.