FMQs: Nicola Sturgeon says deaths from coronavirus have doubled to six

The amount of deaths from Covid-19 in Scotland has doubled to six, Nicola Sturgeon has told MSPs.

The number of Scots who have died after contracting Covid-19 has increased from three to six.

Nicola Sturgeon announced the number of deaths had doubled as she addressed MSPs at the start of First Minister's Questions.

She also confirmed a rise of 39 in the reported number of coronavirus cases, with this now standing at 266.READ MORE: Coronavirus in Scotland LIVE: Update on school closures due | 266 cases confirmed | 6 deaths

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. Picture: Jane Barlow/PA Wire

The First Minister said: "I would stress, as I have done previously, that that is likely to be an underestimate of the true prevalence of the infection across our society.

"I am also extremely sad to confirm that as of nine o'clock this morning there have now been six reported deaths of patients in Scotland who had tested positive for Covid-19, that is an increase of three from yesterday.

"I want to put on record my thoughts to their loved ones at this incredibly painful time for them."

Concerns for doctors

Tory leader Jackson Carlaw raised concerns of doctors who are at home with a suspected cold, but cannot be sure as they haven't received tests.

Mr Carlaw seeks assurances that businesses will be able to access the support from firms which has been been made available.

Ms Sturgeon says that measures on rates relief will be automatic, but discussions are underway to see how the grants of £10,000 and £25,000 can be distributed.

Nursery fundingThe First Minister says that funding of £220 million for nurseries in Scotland will continue to be provided even if youngsters are not attending as a result of COVID-19 in order to help support businesses.Key workersThe First Minister says she expects that children of police officers will be among those who are allowed to still go to school.

She added that the criteria for an "emergency worker" may vary across the country as what applies in cities will not apply in remote and rural areas.Labour leader Richard Leonard raises concerns that two-thirds of ambulance crews don't have the equipment they need.

Ms Sturgeon says that Health Secretary Jeane Freeman is to meet the Scottish Ambulance Service and unions this afternoon.

"That work is underway as we speak," the SNP leader said.

Ms Sturgeon pledges that any concerns will be "properly and quickly" addressed.Mr Leonard also raised concerns that emergency workers are not being tested often enough

Ms Sturgeon said she must be guided on expert opinion on how often critical workers should be tested and this would include NHS and social care staff.

"There are people working round the clock on this," Ms Sturgeon said.‘Fragility of modern life’Ms Sturgeon said: "We are learning hard lessons on the fragility of modern life."

She said the episode should remind us of what and who really matters in life.Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie called for a "complete ban" on evictions while the outbreak continues and a "rent holiday" for those who cannot pay.Ms Sturgeon said she was ruling "nothing out" to address this issue.

And she added: "Nobody should face eviction from their homes as a result of rent arrears as a result of coronavirus."Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie called for action to ensure a income is provided for people who will struggle to make ends meet.

He highlighted a reverse national insurance scheme which has been backed by the CBI and a boost to social security.

"People are worried exactly how they are going to survive not just the virus, but how they can keep their house," he said