| | Good evening everyone, We're at the end of another working week, although it may not feel like it for obvious reasons. We learnt this week that the lockdown restrictions have been extended, and it's vital that we continue to adhere to the guidelines on social distancing. The signs are there that the measures are working. If we continue as we have been doing, managing the spread of the virus becomes easier and eases the immense pressure on our health workers and emergency services. It's difficult. It may even feel overwhelming at times. But that's perfectly fine. Please remember to look after your mental health during these times. It's okay not to be okay. Everyone at The Scotsman wishes you a good weekend. Stay safe, and we'll be back in touch next week. Your Scotsman team Here are tonight's headlines: - First Minister Nicola Sturgeon belives Scotland's lockdown restrictions are working. However, easing up in any way could risk an immediate resurgence of the virus
- There have been a further 58 deaths from people who have tested positive, although the number of people in hospital in Scotland with Covid-19 remains stable
- Scotland's chief medical officer Dr Gregor Smith has said that while the numbers of new cases were doubling every four to five days three weeks ago, that rate is now around 11 days
- Scotland's death toll now stands at 837 although as outlined earlier this week, the true total is believed to be much higher
- Concerns over appropriate PPE was raised at Ms Sturgeon's briefing with the FM vowing to 'respond urgently' to anyone who contacts the government on the subject
- Health Secretary Jeane Freeman has announced more support for the care home sector to reduce transmission of the virus and help staff
- The UK has reported 847 more virus-related deaths in hospitals, taking the total to 14,576
- There have now been more than 2.15 million confirmed cases worldwide and 145,000 deaths
- The USA has announced plans to start opening up its economy again
- Germany says its coronavirus outbreak is under control
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