Over 200 people now have coronavirus in Ayrshire as deaths across Scotland jumped sharply.

A total of 221 patients have tested positive for COVID-19 in NHS Ayrshire and Arran, the Scottish Government confirmed.

The nation also saw a huge rise in deaths, up to 126, a jump of 50.

Nicola Sturgeon said that along with 10 new deaths, 40 were previously unreported.

The 40 previously unreported deaths were being processed by one lab but the government is working to distribute them over the dates and locations, to release more accurate information later.

Answering questions regarding the previusly unreported numbers, Ms Sturgeon said: "We’re still trying to verify all the information so we can present it clearly.

"I want to be as transparent around this as I possibly can be."

The First Minister announced changes to how coronavirus numbers will be reported.

From next week, National Records of Scotland will report on presumed deaths in the community where coronavirus is mentioned on the death certificate.

Health Protection Scotland's daily figures will also change.

Instead of compiling the data from individual healthboards, such as NHS Ayrshire and Arran, HPS will now use the NRS death certification process.

Ms Sturgeon said government is looking at giving 'more granular detail on the information we’re providing'.

It was also announced that 3,400 NHS workers or family members have been tested.

This is so staff can return to work if their family member or themselves test negative.

Last night, the Scottish Parliament voted unanimously to grant emergency powers to deal with the coronavirus crisis.

As part of the legislation, measures to prevent tenants from being evicted and to keep the judicial system running have been passed.

However, plans to run solemn trials without juries were dropped.

The powers will last for six months.

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