Coronavirus in Scotland: First deaths after positive test for six weeks

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There had been no new deaths following a positive test reported in Scotland since 16 July

The deaths of two people in Scotland are the country's first confirmed coronavirus fatalities in six weeks.

It is the first time since 16 July that the deaths of patients who have tested positive for the virus has been recorded in daily figures.

It brings the total number of deaths in Scotland under this measure to 2,494.

However the death toll recorded by the National Records of Scotland, which includes both confirmed and suspected cases of Covid-19, stands at 4,222.

It reported an additional six deaths where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate between 17 and 23 August.

Four of the deaths were in a care home and two were in a hospital, according to the NRS.

Giving her daily update on coronavirus, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon told MSPs the two deaths were a reminder that coronavirus was still a "threat" in Scotland.

"I think all of us have become used to hearing news of no deaths under these daily figures," Ms Sturgeon said.

"These two new deaths today are of course devastating for those who will be grieving the loss. But they should also be a reminder for all of us that the threat of Covid hasn't yet gone away".

The two deaths are of patients who tested positive for Covid-19 within the past 28 days.

Scotland's Covid-19 deaths following positive test. . Deaths within 28 days of a positive test.

Scotland's first coronavirus death was reported by NHS Lothian on 13 March.

The number of daily deaths following a positive test peaked at 84 on 15 April, with 83 deaths also reported on 29 April and 6 May.

But the number has been mainly declining since early May and the figure has not increased at all for six weeks.

The NRS death figures are higher because they count all death certificates that mention Covid-19, even if the person has not been tested for the virus.

They include cases where the person has tested positive for the virus, and where it is suspected but not confirmed.

Ms Sturgeon also reported that there had been 67 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Scotland in the last 24 hours.

Six more people are in hospital, bringing the total to 249, and two people are in intensive care.