Coronavirus: Another 16 people die as cases pass 15,000

Another 16 people have died of coronavirus in Scotland, with confirmed cases of the virus reaching 15,041.

It takes the death toll among confirmed Covid-19 patients to 2261 but the total, including suspected deaths, is just over 3700.

In total, 1305 people are in hospital with confirmed or suspected Covid-19.

Out of those, 50 people are in intensive care.

However, it has been confirmed 3540 inpatients have been discharged from hospital since March 5.

On Thursday the Scottish Government will begin to ease the lockdown, having published its four-phase plan to gradually bring back some normality to people’s lives in Scotland.

Coronavirus restrictions are reviewed every three weeks, and any changes will be closely monitored – meaning if the rate of the virus’ transmission increases, measures could be reimposed.

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