Nicola Sturgeon: deaths rise by 12 in Scotland – cases hit 8,450

The First Minister has announced the latest Covid-19 figures for Scotland.

Speaking at the daily coronavirus briefing at the Scottish Government headquarters in Edinburgh, Ms Sturgeon confirmed another 12 deaths in Scotland.

This brings the total number to 915.

8,450 people have now tested positive in Scotland – an increase of 263.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon holding her daily press conference.

169 people are in an intensive care unit (ICU) – a decrease of 5.

Sturgeon urged people struggling to access food during the outbreak to ask for help.

She said: "Help is available. Please ask for support if you need it."

The First Minister said for those in the shielded group - around 150,000 people in Scotland - more than 41,000 people have had essentials delivered.

She said those who have signed up to the text message service for this in the past week may not yet have had their first delivery but will do shortly.

Ms Sturgeon added: "If you can't access food for whatever reason, be that because you are shielding, because you are self isolating, or you might find yourself unable to afford food for your family, contact the national helpline.

"Nobody should have to worry about access to food."

The free helpline, launched previously, is on 0800 111 4000 and is open from 9am to 5pm on weekdays.