No new coronavirus deaths in Scotland for second day

There have been no coronavirus deaths in Scotland for a second day running.

Official figures released on Saturday show no fatalities occurred in the previous 24 hours among people who have tested positive for the virus.

It means the number of Covid-19 deaths under this measure remains at 2,482.

On Friday, Nicola Sturgeon said the fact no deaths were recorded on a weekday was significant, as registration figures tend to be artificially low at weekends.

But Saturday's figures also show 15 new confirmed cases of coronavirus, bringing the total number of positive tests to 18,228.

Of those who have tested positive, 4,045 have been discharged from hospital since March 5.

A total of 456 people are currently in Scottish hospitals with Covid-19, five of whom are in intensive care as well as 11 in intensive care with suspected coronavirus.

Speaking on Twitter after the latest figures were announced, the First Minister said Scotland was beating the virus''.

She said: Yesterday was the second weekday in a row with no Covid deaths registered in Scotland.

Right now, Scotland is beating this virus - but only through our collective efforts. So we must keep at it. Covid will surge back if we let it. So please keep following the rules #StaySafe.''