The total of confirmed coronavirus cases in Ayrshire is now 762.

The number of patients in hospitals with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 has risen to 113, an increase of four in 24 hours, and there are five in intensive care units, a decrease of one since yesterday.

At NHS Ayrshire & Arran, 159 patients who had tested positive have been discharged since March 5.

Yesterday it was announced that 159 people had died from the virus in Ayrshire.

41 of those deaths occurred in East Ayrshire, 63 were in South Ayrshire and 55 were in North Ayrshire.

Over a third of all Ayrshire COVID-19 deaths were in care homes.

The First Minister said: "These numbers are not just statistics, they represent people who are right now deeply missed by their friends, their families and their wider network of loved ones."

Nicola Sturgeon announced that the government now believes the coronavirus reproduction rate - the number of people each person with the virus passes it on to - has dropped below one, meaning fewer people are contracting COVID-19 each day.

Ms Sturgeon said: "At the beginning of lockdown we believe it was above three. So that is real and very positive progress.

"While we are seeing horrible grim numbers every day of people dying, by sticking to the guidance, you have undoubtedly saved lives.

"The progress we have made is real and significant but it is still very fragile."

Citing increased traffic on roads across Scotland, Ms Sturgeon urged people to continue to adhere to the lockdown guidance while acknowledging how frustrating the restrictions are.

She said: "I can’t wave a magic wand and make that frustration go away, because people are human.

"I’m asking you to do it for your own sake and for the sake of your loved ones."

Responding to reports that single-parents who must take their children shopping have suffered abuse from shop staff and other shoppers, Ms Sturgeon said no such parent should be made to feel uncomfortable.

She said: "No single parent should be abused, bullied or made to feel uncomfortable if they have their child with them in a supermarket if that is essential.

"We understand that for some parents its not an option not to have your child with you."

Interim Chief Medical Officer Dr Gregor Smith emphasised the importance of keeping to restrictions which, the First Minister said, are unlikely to be changed in any meanginful way next week.

He said: "Small changes in behaviour can make an enormous impact in that transmission rate, and could see us heading in the wrong direction."