Coronavirus Daily Update: PM confident of sending virus 'packing', Aberdonian stuck in Ecuador.

Everything you need to know today...

Update
Author: Lewis MichiePublished 19th Mar 2020
Last updated 19th Mar 2020

National & International updates:

Boris Johnson is confident "we can turn the tide on coronavirus" in the next 12 weeks. He has also said further measures - such as closing pubs - will only happen if the government don't feel the current action is working.

The death toll in the UK has now risen to 144 - with 2,626 cases nation-wide.

The Italian deaths have jumped to 427 - that's now higher than China's total.

School pupils in Scotland will not sit their exams for the first time in the country's history. Instead, students will be awarded grades based on their coursework and predicted grades.

EU Chief Brexit negotiator has also tested positive for the virus.

The Queen has issued the following statement:

In the North East:

There are now 18 confirmed coronavirus cases in Grampian.

NHS Grampian's Chief Executive Professor Amanda Croft has called for the public to help the health board with "anything they can" in the coming weeks.

Overnight we heard from Amber Dawson from Aberdeen, she's been left trapped in Ecuador with her partner:

Aberdeenshire Council have suspended charges at all of their pay-and-display car parks:

Food banks are struggling with a heightened demand, and reduced donations. Our Reporter Lewis Michie spoke to Dave Simmers at Cfine:

Something a bit more positive:

Aberdeen FC are doing their bit to help out: