Good evening,

Dozens of newspapers across the UK - including The Scotsman - joined forces today to launch a very special campaign.

The #ThereWithYou campaign is part of our commitment to supporting the people of Scotland during this unprecedented and extremely difficult time.

We are here to listen, we are here to help, we are here to tell your stories.

During the very challenging weeks which lie ahead we will be championing and supporting our local heroes in our hospitals and care services as well as the many local businesses facing a difficult time of things.

We are all in this together.

Here is a round-up of the day’s key updates:

• The number of people in Scotland diagnosed with coronavirus has increased to 322. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon revealed the new total, up by 56 from Thursday, as she gave a briefing on the virus.
• Social distancing measures will need to be in place for most of the year at least in order to control the spread of COVID-19, scientists advising the Government have agreed.
• Prime Minister Boris Johnston has told pubs, bars, cafes and restaurants to close from tonight in a strengthening of measures to tackle the outbreak. Venues such as nightclubs, cinemas and gyms will also follow suit. Takeaways will remain open.
• Chancellor Rishi Sunak says he is deferring VAT for all businesses until the end of June. He added the Government will pay 80 per cent of wages for employees not working, up to £2,500 a month.
• The full list of ‘key workers’ announced by the Government can be found here