52 new Covid-19 cases confirmed in Edinburgh and Lothians as Scotland's death toll rises

Fifty-two new Covid-19 cases have been confirmed in the NHS Lothian board area, as a further 48 deaths linked to the virus were recorded in Scotland.

The latest Scottish Government figures revealed a rise in coronavirus cases in the region from 747 to 799 deaths since yesterday. There has also been an increase of eight hospital patients with confirmed or suspected Covid-19 in hospital, with one more person in intensive care, as of midnight.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon revealed today that a further 48 deaths linked to Covid-19 have been recorded in Scotland, taking the overall death toll to 495 people.

Inside the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary 's specialist intensive care units.

Ms Sturgeon has also urged people across the nation to combat the spread of the virus by staying at home over Easter.

The UK Government’s official guidance clearly states that people should only be leaving their homes for reasons like getting food, medical care, essential work and exercising once a day. While outdoors, people should maintain a two metre distance with people of another household at all times.

Police Scotland Chief Constable Iain Livingstone also revealed today that officers across the country have issued more than 500 fixed penalty notices to those breaching the guidance.

He said most of these fines are down to people having house parties and people gathering outdoors, even after police initially have initially warned them.

The National Records of Scotland will also be publishing weekly data on Sunday with an updated breakdown of the number of deaths by health board in Scotland.