Coronavirus cases surge across the country with a new case in Ayrshire.

The new case was confirmed with another 23 of the potentially lethal coronavirus confirmed across Scotland.

There is now a total of 60 confirmed cases across the country, almost double yesterday's number of 36.

COVID-19 patients in the UK has leaped to 590, an increase of 134 in 24 hours.

There have been ten deaths linked to the virus in the UK.

An emergency COBRA meeting is taking place where further action across the UK may be decided to delay the spread of the potentially fatal virus rather than contain it.

This may include closing schools and advising people to work from home.

Large gatherings across Ayrshire are to be cancelled to delay the spread of the coronavirus, the First Minister announced at Holyrood earlier.

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

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

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman, MSP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon, on Good Morning Scotland, said: “We expect to see shortly cases coming forward that are originating from that community transmission.”

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

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

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.

You must have a pre-arranged appointment.

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.

For general information call 0800 028 2816.