The number of people infected with coronavirus in Ayrshire has increased.

Two new cases were confirmed today with another seven cases of the potentially lethal coronavirus confirmed across Scotland.

There is now a total of 36 confirmed cases across the country.

Including three positive cases in Ayrshire, there are two patients in the Borders, two in Fife, two in Forth Valley, six in Grampian, five in Greater Glasgow and Clyde, four in Lanarkshire, eight in Lothian, two in Shetland and two in Tayside who have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus.

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman, MSP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon, said: “There will be difficulties and all of us, the way we live our lives is going to change for a period of time.”

During an appearance on Good Morning Scotland, Ms Freeman said the Scottish Government is doing all it can to manage the outbreak.

She said: “We expect to see shortly cases coming forward that are originating from that community transmission.”

Across the UK the number of positive coronavirus cases stands at 456.

Previously patients were described as 'clinically well' and as receiving appropriate clinical care.

Due to patient confidentiality, no other details have been revealed.

A total of 2,234 tests have been carried out in Scotland, there have been six UK deaths linked to the virus.

The first was a woman in her 70s with underlying health conditions who died in Berkshire.

An 83-year-old man, who also had underlying health conditions, was the second person to died having contacted the virus.

The third was a man in his 60s.

Yesterday, the fourth victim of the outbreak, a woman in her 70s, died while being treated in Wolverhampton.

Then the fifth COVID-19 related death was announced. A patient in their 70s died at a hospital in South London.

Today, it was confirmed a sixth person who had tested positive for coronavirus died at Watford General Hospital.

NHS Ayrshire and Arran has expanded COVID-19 testing arrangements to include drive through testing.

Patients with mild symptoms can drive themselves to a contained area of Crosshouse Hospital for testing, enabling them to avoid public transport or walking, and will enable more people to be tested.

Appointment only tests will be carried out in a large tented facility on the grounds.

The test is a throat and nose swab, with the addition of two sputum samples if the individual has a productive cough.

The team performing the tests will wear protective clothing.

You must have a pre-arranged appointment. Anyone who turns up without an appointment will be turned away.

If you believe you may have the coronavirus, you should not go to your GP, any pharmacy or hospital.

Phone your GP practice or NHS 24 (111) if you have returned from a category 1 area within the past 14 days and developed a high temperature, cough or shortness of breath since your return.

Do not go to your GP practice in person, phone for advice from home.

If you do not have symptoms and are looking for general information, a free helpline has been set up on 0800 028 2816.