More daily exercise allowed as coronavirus deaths in Scotland rise by 10

The number of people confirmed to have coronavirus who have died in Scotland has increased by 10, as the First Minister announced the cap on daily exercise has been scrapped.

Speaking at her daily press briefing on coronavirus on Sunday, Nicola Sturgeon said the decision was made after a meeting of the Scottish Cabinet, meaning Scots will be allowed to exercise as many times as they like, instead of the previous once per day restriction.

Despite the lifting of the restriction, Ms Sturgeon stressed that lockdown measures still remain in place and social distancing and hygiene guidance should continue to be adhered to.

Before the briefing, Scottish Government statistics showed that a total of 1,857 patients have died after testing positive, with 13,486 people having tested positive for the virus overall, up by 181 from 13,305 the day before.

There are 82 people in intensive care with coronavirus or coronavirus symptoms.

Despite the comparatively small number of deaths recorded, the First Minister has previously said numbers are often reduced due to a lack of death registration at weekends.

There are 1,484 people in hospital with confirmed or suspected Covid-19, including those who are in intensive care, a drop of 101 from the Saturday total of 1,585.

Since March 5, 3,100 people who have tested positive for coronavirus have been able to leave hospital, which includes 84 people since Saturday.

Ms Sturgeon said: From tomorrow, that once-a-day limit will be removed.

If you want to go for a walk more often, or to go for a run and also a walk later on in the day then you can now do so.''

The First Minister added that the extension did not apply to those who have symptoms or are living with someone who is showing symptoms, or those who are in the shielding group.

Ms Sturgeon said it was to be used for exercise only and should not be used for sunbathing, picnics or barbecues''.

She added: The fact that you're allowed to exercise more than once is definitely not a licence to start meeting up in groups at the park or at the beach.

Doing that really does risk spreading this virus.''

The First Minister also said that the Scottish Government would monitor the figures this week in a bid to assess if more changes can be made to the lockdown guidance, including increasing the number of activities people can undertake outside.

Ms Sturgeon said any announcement will come next weekend.

She also used the briefing to address tensions between the UK Government and the devolved administrations over a change in messaging from Westminster.

Reports surfaced on Saturday night suggesting a shift away from the slogan stay home, protect the NHS, save lives'' tostay alert, control the virus, save lives''.

On Twitter, the First Minister said the message was not intended for Scotland, saying that she had only heard about the move through Sunday newspapers.

The First Minister also described the new slogan as vague'' andimprecise''.

Ms Sturgeon said she had asked for the slogan not to be deployed in Scotland, adding that the communications departments of both countries are currently in discussions on the matter and she is confident'' an agreement will be met.