Members of the public across Ayrshire are recommended to wear face coverings when shopping as all over 70s at Crosshouse and Ayr hospitals are to be tested.

The update comes as 17 more people are confirmed with the virus in Ayrshire, the total is now 738, and the number in hospitals rises to 112, an increase of 11, with 5 in ICU.

NHS Ayrshire and Arran are to carry out tests on every patient over 70 admitted to hospital for any reason. They will also be tested every four days of their stay.

The First Minister announced the move today and also issued the guidance that adults who find themselves somewhere where it is difficult to follow social distancing guidelines should consider wearing a cloth face covering.

Nicola Sturgeon said: "We are talking about face coverings made of cloth or other textiles, such as scarves, not medical grade face masks.

"This is a precautionary measure. We are not making this mandatory, or enforcing it, but this will be kept under review.

"The wearing of facial coverings is an extra precaution. It is not and must not be seen as a substitute for the other guidelines."

Face coverings are not recommended for children under two-years-old.

National Records of Scotland will publish the total number of deaths from the virus in Ayrshire tomorrow, including how many happened in care homes.

A minute’s silence has been held for key workers who have died during the coronavirus pandemic.

At 11am, on today which is International Workers' Day, a pause to remember all of those health and social care workers who have lost their lives to COVID-19.

A spokesperson for NHS Ayrshire and Arran said: "Thank you to all who took part in the minute silence today in honour of our colleagues across the UK who have sadly lost their lives to Covid-19.

"These are difficult times but we appreciate the work being done by our staff, colleagues and partners."

Across Scotland, 10,721 positive cases have been confirmed, up 200 in 24 hours.

1,754 patients are being treated in hospitals with suspect or confirmed COVID-19, and 126 are in ICU.

Ms Sturgeon said: "These numbers continue to give us cause for cautious opitimism."

Since the March 5, 2,448 people have been discharged having recovered from coronavirus.

Sadly, 70 more deaths have been registered in the last 24 hours, bringing the nationwide total to 1,332.

Ms Sturgeon said: "We’ve taken the decisions we thought were right and best at every stage.

"For any country to be saying we’ve cracked it, we’ve succeeded over this virus is premature.

"There are really big important decisions that lie ahead of us."