The number of coronavirus deaths in Scotland has increased by 56

The Scottish Government say a total of 893 people who tested positive for coronavirus in Scotland have died, a rise of 56 on Friday's figure.

Across the country, 38,233 people have been tested for Covid-19, with 7,820 testing positive.

As of Friday night, 1,793 patients were in hospital with confirmed or suspected coronavirus, a decrease of six.

The number of delayed discharges in Scotland has also plummeted as the NHS works to ensure capacity is available for Covid-19 patients.

While there were 1,612 delayed discharges on March 4, the figure had reduced to 616 on Friday, almost a third of the original number.

Of those, 182 were being treated in intensive care, down seven from the previous night.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has repeatedly said there has been a levelling off of people in intensive care and hospital in general as a result of the virus, which has continued in Saturday's figures.

Ms Sturgeon claims the steady figures are a sign for ''cautious optimism''.

Daily figures published by the Scottish Government show ambulance crews were called to 1,562 incidents on Friday, 417 of which were a suspected case of coronavirus, with 244 people taken to hospital.

This week, care homes came to the fore, with questions raised over personal protective equipment (PPE) supplies and the Scottish Government announcing plans to test patients and staff showing symptoms of Covid-19.

Saturday's statistics show an increase of just three care homes in Scotland reporting at least one case of the virus, with the number standing at 459.

NHS absences were at their highest level since April 9, with 7,931 not being able to report for work on Friday, but it is unclear how many are self isolating or have a suspected case of coronavirus.

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