The first death of a coronavirus patient in Scotland has been confirmed by the Scottish Government.

It comes as health secretary said non-urgent operations will be cancelled to free up space in hospitals as the NHS in Scotland looks to double the number of intensive care beds.

Chief medical officer Catherine Calderwood said the patient, who was elderly and had underlying health conditions, was being treated at a Lothian hospital.

Positive cases in Scotland jumped to 85 today. Just over 3,200 tests have come back negative.

Across the UK the number of cases has nearly hit 800 after 208 new incidences were confirmed.

In Scotland large gatherings will be banned from next week in a bid to lessen the pressure on emergency services, although this is not taking place elsewhere in the UK.

Health boards are being asked to report back on how they are increasing capacity to cope with an expected surge in cases.

Health secretary Jeane Freeman said: “We have been clear from the outset about the challenges our health service is going to face in the weeks and possibly months to come.

“With our focus very much on seeking to delay the spread to reduce the peak impact and protect the most vulnerable, planning around NHS capacity is vital.

“We need to free up capacity in our hospital settings and increase where we can the capacity there and in the community. So over the next two to three weeks we will scale down non urgent care so non urgent procedures are postponed.

“But patients have our assurance that all appointments will be rescheduled as quickly as possible as we get through the challenge to our NHS that Covid-19 presents.

“As we work to double our intensive care capacity, some lead time is needed to repurpose facilities and ensure staff receive the training they need.

"In all of this work, our urgent and life critical services such as cancer will be maintained.”

In her statement, the CMO said: “I am saddened to report that a patient in Scotland who has tested positive for Coronavirus has died in hospital. I offer my deepest sympathy to their friends and family at this difficult time.”

Dr. Tracey Gillies, medical director at NHS Lothian, said “To protect confidentiality, we are unable to discuss individual patients or staff, however we would like to offer reassurance that NHS Lothian has stringent measures in place to minimise risks around Covid-19.

“If people are experiencing symptoms indicative of Coronavirus - a fever or persistent cough - they should self-isolate for seven days.

“If their condition deteriorates or has not improved in seven days they should call their GP, or 111 if out of hours, where they will receive help. People must not approach any healthcare services in person.”