Coronavirus in Scotland: Seven new deaths recorded as country confirms 495 cases in 24 hours

A total of seven new Covid deaths have been recorded in Scotland as 495 people tested positive for the virus in the last 24 hours.

The latest government data shows that 341 people are in hospital having recently tested positive for coronavirus and 28 patients are in an ICU with confirmed Covid-19.

So far, 2,214,672 people in Scotland have received the first dose of the Covid vaccination and 235,671 have received their second dose.

Since the start of the outbreak in March last year, a total of 1,780,813 people across the country have been tested at least once. Of these people, 214,383 have tested positive for the virus.

Military personnel, who are assisting with the vaccination programme, at the Royal Highland Showground near Edinburgh picture: PA/Andrew Milligan

The country’s death toll currently stands at 7,559 as of 23 March.

Today marks the one year anniversary of when the country went into a national lockdown.

A minute's silence organised by end-of-life charity Marie Curie was held at 12pm followed by a bell toll, and people taking part have been encouraged to stand on their doorsteps at 8pm with phones, candles and torches to signify a "beacon of remembrance".

More than 250 organisations are supporting the day of reflection, including 82 leaders from religious groups and cross-party politicians, care organisations, charities, businesses, emergency services, public sector bodies and community groups.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon gave her last coronavirus announcement in Parliament on Tuesday afternoon before the Scottish elections in May.

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