SCOTLAND’S Health Secretary has confirmed that visits to non-coronavirus area of hospitals will be allowed again on a phased basis from next month.

New restrictions will apply to those visiting – face coverings will be mandatory and social distancing rules will be enforced.

Visitors will also have to provide contact details in advance to help the Test and Protect scheme in case they need to be contacted after testing positive for Covid-19.

READ MORE: Covid-19 in Scotland: Nicola Sturgeon announces three more deaths

Freeman added that people should not bring in gifts, flowers or other items to their loved ones while visiting.

At the daily briefing, Nicola Sturgeon announced there had been three further coronavirus deaths following four days of no virus fatalities.

The First Minister added that a further 10 people had tested positive for Covid-19.

Sturgeon stressed that we are at a dangerous point in tackling the virus, and pointing to the new local lockdown in Leicester, England, warned people must continue to follow the rules.

She told viewers: “I cannot stress this enough, do not drop your guard, do not become complacent, do not think the risk of this virus has gone away.”