Four new cases of coronavirus confirmed in Scotland, bringing total to 27

Four new cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in Scotland, bringing the total number north of the border to 27.

Two were detected in Grampian, with the other two in the Lothian region.

The Scottish Government say 2234 Scottish tests have now been carried out.

Update on #coronavirus testing

As of 2pm today, 2234 Scottish tests have concluded:

2207 confirmed negative
27 positive

Read our latest update ➡️ https://t.co/kZjGNz2EDe
Health advice ➡️ https://t.co/l7rqArB6Qu
Guidance for travel ➡️ https://t.co/5DPKW9lGae#COVIDー19 pic.twitter.com/3cySWABeDG

— Scottish Government (@scotgov) March 10, 2020

Earlier today, Professor Jason Leitch, the Scottish Government’s National Clinical Director, said he expects “hard decisions” in the coming weeks and months as part of efforts to control the spread of the Covid-19.

Urging the public to carry on as normal and avoid panic buying, he told BBC’s Good Morning Scotland that it was legitimate for there to be concerns – especially for at-risk groups – and the outbreak would last “months, not weeks”.

Mr Leitch, who is responsible for patient safety and planning in the Scottish health service, said that the decision to escalate the response will happen in a UK-wide manner once there is “sustained community spread”, rather than a critical number of cases.