Coronavirus in Scotland: 107 new cases in the Lothians as country records seven deaths

A total of 107 new cases have been confirmed in the Lothians in the last 24 hours as the country records seven new deaths.

Across Scotland, 495 people in total have newly tested positive for the virus since the day before.

To date 341 people are in hospital who have recently tested positive for coronavirus and 28 patients are in an ICU with confirmed Covid.

So far, 2,214,672 people in Scotland have received the first dose of the Covid-19 vaccination and 235,671 have received their second dose.

Military personnel, who are assisting with the vaccination programme, at the Royal Highland Showground near Edinburgh picture: PA/Andrew Milligan

Since the start of the outbreak in March last year, a total of 1,780,813 people across the country have been tested at least once for the virus. Of these people, 214,383 have tested positive for Covid-19.

The country’s death toll currently stands at 7,559 as of 23 March while 9,831 deaths have been registered in Scotland where coronavirus was mentioned on the death certificate up to 14 March.

The latest figures come as the nation marks the one year anniversary of when the country went into a national lockdown.

A minute's silence organised by end-of-life charity Marie Curie was held at 12pm followed by a bell toll, and people taking part have been encouraged to stand on their doorsteps at 8pm with phones, candles and torches to signify a "beacon of remembrance".

More than 250 organisations are supporting the day of reflection, including 82 leaders from religious groups and cross-party politicians, care organisations, charities, businesses, emergency services, public sector bodies and community groups.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon gave her last coronavirus announcement in Parliament on Tuesday afternoon before the Scottish elections in May.

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