There are now 296 confirmed positive cases of coronavirus in Ayrshire and Arran.

This is an increase of eight on yesterday's total of 288.

Across Scotland 4,229 have been confirmed to have coronavirus, but the true numbers is expected to be far greater.

Deaths have risen to 296, however more detailed numbers are expected tomorrow which will see a large increase as numbers for over the weekend are revised.

In intensive care units, 199 patients are being treated.

Health secretary Jeane Freeman, MSP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley said the NHS has surge capacity of 585 beds in ICUs across the country.

Responding to questions regarding concerns care workers have about the lack of personal protective equipment (PPE), Ms Freeman said: "Later this afternoon, I will be speaking to Donald Macaskill from Scottish Care.

"We will be doing everything we can to address the issues of supply of PPE.

"As well as the streamlined ordering and distribution that has been in place for two weeks, we also have the monitoring of the supply chain.

"We are working hard to make sure we can do everything we can and to make sure where we can make improvements we make improvements."

The health secretary also announced £5.3m in funding for community pharmacies to help them meet demand on their services.

She also said that, where they can, pharmacists will work on Good Friday and Easter Monday.

Chief nursing officer, Fiona McQueen, praised nursing students who are being deployed to help tackle the coronavirus pandemic.

She said: "A big thank you to our nurses of Scotland and our student nurses of Scotland for stepping up."

On the subject of care workers, she said: "It's vital that our care and health workers have access to the right PPE."

A care home in North Ayrshire has confirmed that four residents and a member of staff have tested positive for coronavirus - read more here.

Last week it was reported that thirteen residents at a care home in Glasgow died in one week.

Other homes across the country have also reported positive cases and deaths.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said testing prioritization already included care workers and, where appropriate, their families.

She said that health boards would be reminded of this alongside the priority for NHS staff.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson remains in hopsital but is breathing without a ventilator.