Nicola Sturgeon said on Friday that a slowdown in the spread of coronavirus across Scotland shows the lockdown restrictions “are working”.
The first minister insisted the “first signs of hope are already there” as statistics showed community transmission of the coronavirus has reduced dramatically.
Latest figures also show there has been a “stabilisation” in the number of people being admitted to hospital and intensive care.
Speaking at the daily coronavirus briefing at the Scottish Government headquarters in Edinburgh, Ms Sturgeon announced 837 patients have now died in Scotland after testing positive for coronavirus.
This was an increase of 58 deaths from 779 on Thursday.
Ms Sturgeon said 7,409 people have now tested positive for the virus in Scotland, up by 307 from 7,102 on Thursday.
There are 189 people in intensive care with coronavirus or coronavirus symptoms, a fall of seven in 24 hours.
There are 1,799 people in hospital with confirmed or suspected Covid-19, a figure unchanged from Thursday. In the UK, 14,576 people have died.
Ms Sturgeon said her advisers believe “the lockdown restrictions have resulted in a slowing down of the rate of community transmission of the virus”.
She said: “That is positive news and while we can’t be complacent and can never be complacent in dealing with this virus, that slowdown seems to be reflected in a stabilisation of the numbers being admitted to hospital and intensive care… In short, we believe that these restrictions are working.”
But restrictions will not be lifted as it could lead to an exponential resurgence of the virus and the NHS becoming overwhelmed, she said, adding: “We can’t take that risk.”
Dr Gregor Smith, Scotland’s acting chief medical officer, said that three weeks ago the numbers of new cases were doubling every four to five days but that rate is now about 11 days.
The senior medic said it used to be that every person who caught the virus spread it to three others but now, with the lockdown measures, it is believed the rate is now each person passing it on to just one other.
He said: “The virus has not gone away but is spreading much less than it was.”
Ms Sturgeon confirmed the Scottish Government will set out measures to ease the lockdown over the next week.
The first minister added: “We have a long way to go but we are beginning to see signs that the lockdown is working.
“The first signs of hope are already there.”
She also addressed the economic impacts of the virus, announcing an economic recovery advisory group will be established in Scotland to assist the government, bringing together business leaders and economic experts to “prepare Scotland for some of the challenges that lie ahead”.
The first minister also revealed further support for the seafood sector – saying the market has “effectively collapsed” – unveiling a £3.5 million package for fishing vessels over 12 metres.
“That means in total more than 1,000 businesses are eligible for support,” she said, and it brings overall support for the seafood, fishing and aquaculture sectors to nearly £23m.
Ms Sturgeon also announced £215m in coronavirus financial support has been paid out to businesses so far from £1.3 billion in grants and support available.
Scottish Health Secretary Jeane Freeman also outlined further support for care homes during the outbreak in the briefing.
She said that from this weekend, PPE from the national stockpile will be delivered directly to care homes.
Ms Freeman also said the Scottish Government will ensure guidance against communal gathering in care homes is being followed, adding: “Where there are particular problems, perhaps in the case of residents who have severe dementia, we can provide additional guidance and support.”
editor@thecourier.co.uk
