ANOTHER 14 people have died after testing positive for Covid-19, the First Minister has announced.

It brings the total number of deaths under that measurement to 2409.

Speaking at the daily briefing, Nicola Sturgeon said: "As I always do, I want to stress these numbers are not just statistics – they are individuals whose loss is being deeply felt by their loved ones.

“Once again, I want to send my deepest condolences to everyone who has lost a loved one to this virus."

However, there was positive news as it was revealed the number of patients in hospital with confirmed or suspected coronavirus has dropped below 1000 for the first time since the end of March.

The FM also confirmed another 29 people have tested positive for the disease, bringing the total 15,582.

Some 995 patients are in hospital with confirmed or suspected Covid-19 – a decrease of 26 from yesterday, including a fall of 9 in the number of confirmed cases.

A total of 23 people last night were in intensive care with confirmed or suspected Covid-19, five fewer than yesterday.

Sturgeon added that since March 5, 3778 patients who had tested positive for the virus have now been able to leave hospital.

Elaborating on the death figures, she said: “In relation to the number of people who had their deaths registered in the previous day, we have to be careful about reading too much into single day figures.”

The FM continued: “But nevertheless I think it is reasonable to point out this is the first time since March 30 that the numbers of patients in hospital have been lower than 1000. A positive indication of the progress we are making.”

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