Coronavirus - National News

SIX new coronavirus cases have been confirmed in the Highlands, taking the region's tally to 242.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said she “really feared” just a few weeks ago that the NHS in Scotland would be overwhelmed by the coronavirus.

The three separate funds will be administered by local authorities and Scotland’s enterprise agencies and is for SMEs and newly self-employed people.

The Law Society of Scotland has announced a £2.2 million package of financial support for the solicitor profession in response to the coronavirus.

The UK will invest £1.65 billion in the development of a Covid-19 vaccine and to help the poorest people around the world get immunised.

FOUR further cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed in the Highlands ­– but the number of hospital patients is down almost a third.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon says the numbers are 'deeply distressing'

A total of 72 people have now died in the NHS Highland area from either confirmed or suspected Covid-19 – up from 50 seven days ago.

International charity Mary's Meals has said it will now feed children at home each school day after many nations close schools due to coronavirus

To better enable physical distancing, the Scottish Government will fully fund a new infrastructure programme for pop-up walking and cycling routes.

Matt Hancock says testing capacity is being increased across a number of fronts.

THE number of Highland residents receiving hospital treatment for Covid-19 rose by more than a quarter overnight.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said face coverings may provide some benefit in enclosed spaces.

A national cat charity has compiled a visual selection of advice for cat owners based on its most commonly received queries during lockdown.

The UK government is to establish a life assurance scheme to pay £60,000 to families of health workers who die in the course of their duties.

Health secretary Jeane Freeman confirms the Highlands will be one of the first areas to see the roll-out of mobile coronavirus testing facilities.

The number of hospitalisations with the virus has also stabilised and could be on a 'downward trend'

THREE more Covid-19 cases have been confirmed in the Highlands overnight ­– taking the region's tally to 228 since the outbreak began

Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned he cannot risk lifting the lockdown yet.

While tracing contacts for those infected with Covid-19 can help, it works best when infection rates are as low as possible it has been claimed.