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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Jon Hebditch

Nicola Sturgeon confirms 160 new coronavirus cases in Scotland as no deaths recorded

There have been 160 new cases of coronavirus in Scotland registered in the last 24 hours, Nicola Sturgeon announced.

The First Minister confirmed the total number of positive cases in Scotland since the start of the pandemic now stands at 20,468.

There have been no new deaths meaning the total number of deaths across the country remains at 2,494.

258 people are currently being treated in hospital with five people in intensive care.

Nicola Sturgeon announcing the figures from St. Andrew's House (Daily Record)

The announcement was made at the daily coronavirus briefing at St Andrew's House in Edinburgh.

The latest figures come as gyms, swimming pools and indoor sports centres across Scotland can reopen from today as coronavirus restrictions are  relaxed  further.

Venues have been closed for nearly six months as part of the battle against the deadly  virus.

The news comes as pupils and staff at Scots secondary  schools  are required to wear masks while moving about buildings.

Primary pupils travelling on school transport will also be expected to wear a covering on the bus but not in the classroom.

Fitness fanatics have been longing to return to gyms and sport centres during lockdown.

(PA)

Gym bosses were left disappointed as pubs and other indoor venues were given the green light to reopen ahead of them.

It's understood the gym and swimming pool at Inverness Leisure Centre opened at midnight.

But not all clubs are rushing to reopen, with many taking a slower approach and aiming to reopen at the middle of the month.

Announcing the new rules for schools last week, the Scottish Government said while staff and students can continue to wear face coverings if they wish, they will not generally be necessary in the classroom as there is greater scope for physical distancing and face coverings can have an impact on learning and teaching.

However, it remains the case that where adults cannot keep a two-metre distance and are interacting face-to-face for more than 15 minutes, face coverings should be worn.

Education Secretary John Swinney said: "There is increasing evidence that face coverings can provide some protection for the wearer as well as those around them."

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