Six percent of Scottish NHS workers are off work due to coronavirus symptoms as Sturgeons vows to test more

Nicola Sturgeon has confirmed that just over six percent of NHS workers in Scotland are off work with "covid related symptoms" or "self-isolating because somebody in their household has these symptoms."

Nicola Sturgeon called the statistic, "relatively low" however said that she would, "expect to see it rise in the weeks to come."

The First Minister announced that her strategy for counteracting staffing shortages during the covid-19 outbreak, would be to continue "testing key workers."

Coronavirus: How often should you be going shopping?

The first minister said: "I'm able to confirm that at present just over six percent of NHS staff are off work either with covid related symptoms or self-isolating because somebody in their household has these symptoms

"That number is relatively low and it's important to be very clear that would expect to see that number rise in the weeks to come.

"But it's also important to note that we have now begun testing of key workers as we continue to expand that capacity."

For all of the latest updates on coronavirus in Edinburgh, visit our breaking news live blog here.

Another way to stay updated is by joining our new Edinburgh coronavirus news Facebook group.

For the latest guidance on coronavirus from Health Protection Scotland, click here.