Large gatherings across Ayrshire are to be cancelled as the government moves to delay the spread of the coronavirus.

Events for which 500 people or more will gather may be advised to be cancelled from the start of next week.

Nicola Sturgeon at First Minister's Questions said: "The Health Secretary and I have decided this morning that we are minded that we will advise the cancellation, from the start of next week, of mass gatherings of 500 people or more."

Prime Minister Boris Johnson will chair an emergency meeting of COBRA today where further action across the UK may be decided to delay the spread of the potentially fatal virus rather than contain it.

An increase in the number of people with COVID-19 in Ayrshire was confirmed yesterday.

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

Chief Medical Officer Catherine Calderwood confirmed the first case of community transmission yesterday.

She said: "This was identified through our enhanced surveillance scheme.

"This case was to be expected and highlights the importance of the additional measures we have put in place to identify positive cases beyond self-identification."

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 460.

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 eight UK deaths linked to the virus.

NHS Ayrshire and Arran are carrying out drive through COVID-19 testing.

Patients with mild symptoms can drive themselves to a contained area of Crosshouse Hospital for testing, avoiding public transport or walking.

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

The test is a throat and nose swab, and two sputum samples if you have 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.