ANOTHER three coronavirus patients in Scotland have died, bringing the total to 25, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced.

She also said the number of people who had tested positive for Covid-19 had risen by 175 from Wednesday's total, from 719 to 894.

The First Minister said: "I can confirm as of 9am there have been 894 positive cases confirmed, an increase of 175 from yesterday. These numbers will be an underestimate.

"The Coronavirus bill passed by the UK Parliament yesterday gained royal assent."

Turning her attention to possible sanctions for failing to adhere to the effective lockdown, Sturgeon added: "The Scottish Government now has the power to make regulations to enforce the social distancing measures we announced on Monday.

"I want to thank people across the country for their compliance. These powers are there to make sure the right thing can be done to prevent the spread of the virus.

"If people don't follow prohibition notices or instructions to return home, they could be liable to an on-the-spot fine or, ultimately, prosecuted.

"We expect the vast majority of people to do the right thing without enforcement."