A TOTAL of 2245 patients have died in Scotland after testing positive for coronavirus, up by 24 from 2221 on Thursday, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said.

The First Minister said 14,969 people have tested positive for the virus in Scotland, up by 113 from 14,856 the day before.

There are 1257 people in hospital with confirmed or suspected Covid-19, a decrease of 61.

Of these, 50 were in intensive care, a fall of one.

The First Minister, addressing the daily briefing in Edinburgh, said the "route map" had been seen by 100,000 people since its publication on Thursday.

Sturgeon said that none of the changes are yet in place, with plans to bring them into force set for May 28.

She said the one thing that would extend the lockdown would be "taking our foot off the brake" and allowing the virus to take hold.

However, the First Minister said, the statistics announced today show that the suppression of the virus is continuing.

Sturgeon added that not all of the changes would be made next week, although she hoped that most would be.

The First Minister said: "Not all of the phase one measures will necessarily be introduced next Thursday, but I hope that most of them will be, or at least a day or two afterwards."

Sturgeon also clarified that people will be able to spend time outside, while adhering to social distancing, from one other household at a time and not just one selected other household.

The First Minister also asked people to "use their judgement" when it comes to activities in phase one.

For instance, travelling to the home of a family member, the First Minister said that she did not want people to enter their homes, in case they are infectious and spread the virus to their family member.

Addressing the mental health effects of the lockdown, the First Minister said the Scottish Government has provided more than £8 million for projects, through its Wellbeing Fund, to help tackle social isolation.

Sturgeon said a "heartfelt thank you" to those working in the charity sector.

She said: "Your willingness to help others in what has been the most difficult times, for you as well as for others, is hugely appreciated."

She added: "It is okay not to feel okay and help is available if you need it."

Police Scotland Chief Constable Iain Livingstone said he knew of the "frustrations and the fatigue" of the public during lockdown, expressing his "thanks, respects and regard" to the people of Scotland for their co-operation with the service.

Livingstone added that the police would be moving from encouraging and enforcing lockdown measures to putting more emphasis on advice and guidance to the public.

He added: "It's absolutely vital to stress that the rules in Scotland have not changed."

The Chief Constable said that officers would continue to be on the beat and would use fixed penalty notices as a "last resort".

He added: "Stick with it, keep doing what you're doing and we'll have some weeks ahead to look forward to."