There are now 11 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Scotland – with two of them in Fife.
The Scottish Government confirmed on Friday that five new cases have been identified since Thursday.
The new Covid-19 cases are two in Fife, and one each in Grampian, Forth Valley and Lothian health board areas, the Scottish Government said in an update.
It is the largest increase in a day since the first case in Scotland was confirmed in Tayside on Sunday evening.
The number of coronavirus cases in the UK has now reached 163.
Deputy Director of Public Health, Dr Esther Curnock, said: “NHS Fife has well-rehearsed procedures in place to deal with the potential of communicable viruses such as coronavirus.
“In recent weeks we have established a community testing team to enable those with mild symptoms meeting criteria to be tested in their own homes. If, as anticipated, we see a significant increase in the numbers of those requiring testing then we are likely to expand our capacity further to ensure timely testing of those meeting the criteria.
“We have no plans to cancel staff leave.
“NHS Fife continues to work with Scottish Government and colleagues nationally to ensure we are well prepared to manage any suspected cases.”
There are now three cases in Grampian and one in Tayside.
A total of 1525 tests have been carried out in Scotland.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has pledged a further £46 million for research into a coronavirus vaccine and rapid diagnostic tests.
The Prime Minister announced the funding during a tour of a Bedfordshire laboratory, where British scientists are working on a quick and cheap way to diagnose coronavirus.
There is currently no vaccine available to protect people against the virus, but Mr Johnson said he hoped one will be ready in about a year.
England’s Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty has previously said the UK “will not have a vaccine available for the first wave” of a pandemic, but that it is still important to develop one for any future waves.
Global human trials of eight possible vaccines could start later this year. But firms would then face the task of mass-producing and distributing them.
Public Health England (PHE) has developed methods of testing for coronavirus, but more rapid tests are needed as these currently rely on samples being sent to a lab.
We also need to invest now in researching the vaccines that could help prevent future outbreaks
The package announced by the PM comes under the “research” phase of the Government’s “battle plan” to contain, delay, mitigate and research coronavirus.
Downing Street said the UK’s investment into Covid-19 vaccine research is now worth £65 million, with £91 million in total for international work to stop the spread of the virus.
Mr Johnson said: “Keeping the British people safe is my number one priority, and that’s why I’ve set out our four-part plan to contain, delay, mitigate and research coronavirus.
“We are ensuring the country is prepared for the current outbreak, guided by the science at every stage. But we also need to invest now in researching the vaccines that could help prevent future outbreaks.
“What we are announcing today is a £46 million package of investment in UK science which will in time deliver a vaccine – some say in about a year – but also help us to have rapid test kits that anyone can use quickly and effectively to tell whether they have coronavirus.”
