Scottish Conservative MSP Liz Smith has stressed that “we are by no means out of the woods yet” in the battle to contain the spread of Covid-19 as figures released show an increase in deaths from the virus in Perth and Kinross.

The politician, who represents the Mid Scotland and Fife region, was commenting following the release of the weekly statistics from the National Records of Scotland on May 13.

Week 19 of the figures, which relates to the period from May 4-10, show that the number of registered deaths in Perth and Kinross from Covid-19 stands at 54 – an increase from 43, provided in the previous corresponding figures.

And the number of registered deaths in care homes in Perth and Kinross from Covid-19 also increased, from 11 to 17.

Commenting, Liz Smith said: “These statistics show exactly why we need to be extremely cautious about any moves to ease lockdown. It is very clear that we are by no means out of the woods just yet and therefore it is important to minimise any risks.”

She continued: “They also show exactly why increasing the rate of testing, especially in care homes, is so critical - something which has been a consistent demand of the Scottish Conservatives.”