Nicola Sturgeon: lockdown 'very likely' to continue in Scotland after Thursday's review
Nicola Sturgeon said it is "very likely" the Scottish Government willcontinue lockdown measures beyond a scheduled review on Thursday.
Prime Minster Boris Johnson is due to set out a new strategy on how thelockdown will be eased following a review of the current arrangements.
Speaking at her daily briefing, Ms Sturgeon said the infection rate is stilltoo high to make "any meaningful change".
She revealed a total of 1,576 patients have died in Scotland after testingpositive for coronavirus, up by five from 1,571 on Sunday.
The First Minister said 12,226 people have now tested positive for the virus in Scotland, up by 169 from 12,097 the day before.
There are 99 people in intensive care with coronavirus or coronavirus symptoms and a total of 1,720 people are in hospital with the virus.
Since March 5, 2,780 people who have tested positive for coronavirus have been able to leave hospital.
Ms Sturgeon said although "real and significant progress" is being made, therate of reproduction of the virus is still too high to relax lockdown measures.
She said some work on a potential transition from lockdown will be published in the coming days and while work would be done to ensure there is alignment with the rest of the UK, divergence in measures could still be possible.
The First Minister added she wants to be delivering a daily briefing "in a fewweeks" saying the measures are being eased.
"My big worry is that if we ease up now then I won't be able to do that," shesaid.
The First Minister also outlined the Scottish Government's test, trace, isolate(TTI) strategy, which she said would aid the easing of the lockdown measures.
Ms Sturgeon said the strategy would only work if the public adheres to it,adding it was not a "quick fix or magic solution" and would need to be donealongside current hygiene guidance.
Ms Sturgeon said moves were being made to deliver a TTI strategy by the end of May, with testing capacity expected to have to rise to 15,500 per day to support the approach.
Discussing the possibility of a proximity app, the First Minister said it wouldwork using Bluetooth technology, alerting anyone who has been in contact with someone showing symptoms through an alert.
The First Minister said the Scottish Government is not building its strategyaround the app and it will need the confidence of the public to be successful.
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