THE number of confirmed cases of coronavirus in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has dramatically increased by 37 overnight. 

A total of 258 people have been tested positive for the deadly virus within the area.

The health board is responsible for care in Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire.

In Scotland, the number of confirmed cases surged by 175 overnight - with a total of 894 people now testing positive. This is the largest increase in numbers Scotland has seen in one day. 

The results shortly come after the First Minister's speech at St Andrew's House, where Dr Catherine Calderwood estimated that there could be up to 40 to 50,000 people in Scotland carrying the virus. 

The First Minister revealed that the coronavirus bill passed by the UK parliament yesterday and gained Royal Ascent - meaning the Scottish Government now has the power to make regulations on social distancing. 

She said: "We're now preparing regulations to give police in Scotland enforcement powers. 

"Colleagues in the UK government are working to do the same and we expect these regulations to be in enforced as soon as possible, perhaps as early as of today.

"The regulations give us power to enforce rules which most people are now following anyway.

"I hope these powers do not have to be used but they are there to make sure we can ensure the right things are done to help delay the spread of the virus."