Coronavirus in Scotland LIVE: Potential Covid-19 treatments could be fast-tracked
Updates on coronavirus in Scotland and across the world.
Coronavirus in Scotland LIVE: Latest updates on Wednesday
Key Events
- A further 83 people die from Covid-19 in Scotland
- Total deaths have reached 1,415
- 2,521 people have been discharged from hospital
- 11,034 people have tested positive for Covid-19
Coronavirus test centres include airports, sports stadium... and even a car park
Regional centres where millions of people will be able to get tested for coronavirus include airports, sports stadiums and even a theme park.
The Government has confirmed that 43 sites are now operational across the UK and that it plans to have more in place by the end of April.
It comes as Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced on Tuesday that groups eligible for tests would be expanded to include all over-65s and those living with them, as well as care home residents, NHS patients and medical staff.
Of the total number of UK test centres, 35 are located in England, four are in Scotland, three are in Northern Ireland and one is in Wales.
Face masks may become compulsory if science changes, says expert
Wearing face coverings to combat the spread of coronavirus could become mandatory, but only if the scientific advice changes, the Scottish Government's national clinical director said.
Professor Jason Leitch was speaking the day after Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon revealed new advice which recommends people cover their faces in some limited situations.
While the rest of the UK has yet to advise the public to wear masks, people in Scotland are urged to cover their faces with scarves or bandanas if in enclosed spaces like shops where it may not be possible to stay two metres away from others.
Ms Sturgeon said: "The Scottish Government is now recommending the use of face coverings in these limited circumstances, as a precautionary measure."
Prof Leitch stressed this advice is not mandatory, "so we are not suggesting anybody should be stigmatised or the police should stop you" if a face covering is not worn.
Much-loved healthcare worker dies after testing positive for Covid-19
A "much-loved" healthcare assistant has died after testing positive for coronavirus.
Janice Glassey, 66, who worked in the out-of-hours district nursing service for Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust in Halton, Cheshire, died on April 24 after contracting the virus, her employers said.
Chief executive of the trust Colin Scales said: "I am extremely saddened to confirm that our colleague Janice Glassey tragically passed away on April 24 after testing positive for coronavirus.
"Janice was 66 and was a healthcare assistant in our out-of-hours district nursing service, where she had worked for 14 years, providing care and compassion to many Halton patients and families.
"She was a much-loved and valued colleague and friend.
Prime Minster 'thrilled' to announce birth of baby boy
A spokesman for Boris Johnson and Carrie Symonds said: "The Prime Minister and Ms Symonds are thrilled to announce the birth of a healthy baby boy at a London hospital earlier this morning. Both mother and baby are doing very well.
"The PM and Ms Symonds would like to thank the fantastic NHS maternity team."
Health Secretary Matt Hancock tweeted: "So thrilled for Boris and Carrie. Wonderful to have a moment of unalloyed joy!"
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer tweeted: "Wonderful news. Many congratulations to Boris Johnson and Carrie Symonds."
Care homes 'not overlooked', says minister
Care homes were not overlooked during the coronavirus pandemic while focus was on preventing the NHS from being overwhelmed, a minister has said.
Environment Secretary George Eustice told BBC Radio 4's Today Programme: "No, I don't accept it was overlooked, but obviously there was a real focus on our NHS because there were concerns that it might be overwhelmed and we wanted to make sure they had absolutely everything they needed.
"But in the case of care homes, we have always recognised that there was more vulnerability there."
It comes as figures on the number of deaths in care homes and the wider community are due to be included for the first time in the Government's daily updates.
Blackadder star says older people being 'forgotten' during Covid-19 pandemic
Blackadder star Sir Tony Robinson has complained that older people have been "incarcerated" and "forgotten" during the coronavirus pandemic.
The actor and presenter, 73, said "the Captain Tom Moores of this country... are getting the worst deal".
He is supporting Age UK's Emergency Coronavirus Appeal, to raise £10 million to help the charity meet demand for its services.
Sir Tony said the situation in care homes was "absolutely shocking" and that if there was a similar death rate in any "any other part of the population this would be a huge national scandal".
Funding boost to help problem gamblers during lockdown
Millions of pounds taken from betting operators due to their regulatory failings will be used to provide help for problem gamblers during the Covid-19 crisis, the Gambling Commission has announced.
Some £9 million drawn from regulatory settlements will be paid to GambleAware, a charity that supports initiatives to tackle gambling-related harm across the country.
The money will help ensure treatment and support services can continue to operate effectively in the face of pressures on their services caused by the coronavirus pandemic, the Gambling Commission said in a statement.
Research undertaken by the Commission has shown gambling participation overall has gone down since Britain's lockdown began, due to the cancellation of sporting events and the closure of gambling venues.
However, the research shows there has been an increase in the use of certain gambling vehicles, such as online slot machines, poker, casino gaming and virtual sports.