Nicola Sturgeon: deaths rise by 81 in Scotland - the largest increase to date

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

Speaking at a virtual meeting of party leaders chaired by presiding officer Ken Macintosh, Ms Sturgeon confirmed that 81 more people had died from the virus – the largest daily increase yet.

It brings the total number of deaths in Scotland to 447.

Ms Sturgeon also said 392 new people had tested positive for coronavirus, meaning the total stands at 4,957.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon holding her daily press conference. (Photo by Andrew Milligan - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

1,781 people in Scotland have been hospitalised with Covid-19, and 212 are receiving treatment in intensive care.

Ms Sturgeon issued her usual caveat along with the figures, reminding the public that the true number of people infected with coronavirus is likely to be significantly higher, as only those who are hospitalised are given tests for the disease.