Thread by @lynseybews

FM and Health Sec about to give a statement on #coronavirus to Scottish Parliament. To be followed by questions and answers from Cabinet Secretaries.

FM says gov urgently looking at what more can be done to support businesses and individuals. Comes after advice to avoid non-essential contact e.g visiting pubs, clubs, theatres etc.

Health Sec updating MSPs:
- most rapid reconfiguration of NHS in its history
- formally placing NHS on emergency footing for three months
- first goal is to double intensive care beds
- current bed capacity is 13,000 - steps to increase by 3,000

- non-urgent elective procedures to be postponed
- impact of Covid 19 on cancer patients is priority
- All steps will require redeployment of staff.

- testing regime will include key workers, frontline NHS staff
- scaling up of surveillance testing to give more accurate picture on spread of virus
- people who are immuno-suppressed will be contacted by NHS directly next week.

- this is "watershed moment" in nation, world and in NHS
- we all have responsibility and need everyone's help, Health Sec adds.

Party politics completely set aside at Holyrood. Nicola Sturgeon says she is a politician "to her fingertips", but has never been less interested in party politics than she is now. Jackson Carlaw and Richard Leonard backing Scot Gov "we're all in this together".

@willie_rennie says FM has taken a professional approach. Encourages everyone to listen to her and her advisers. Expresses concern for businesses and their staff.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak expected to say more on business support later on today.

And @FionaHyslop tells MSPs: "In recent times the country has supported the banks, it's now time for the banks to support the country."

Huge range of questions from MSPs, on NHS preparedness, testing, schools, businesses and economy and support for individuals in paying bills. This is all about info gathering. Don't think I've ever seen MSPs across chamber so united.

On schools, @johnswinney says discussions with Cosla, LAs on closures. Further discussions due today. But to be clear no blanket closures at present.

.@FionaHyslop says powers to shutdown businesses like pubs etc are included in emergency legislation going through WM. At the moment advice is to individuals to avoid non-essential contact such as visits to pubs, theatre etc.