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Scotland's first COVID-19 death was Six Nations fan who travelled from France - reports

By Ian Cameron
PA

The first death due to the coronavirus in Scotland appears to have been a French Six Nations fan who travelled to Murrayfield for the French match.

According to the Edinburgh News, the elderly man had travelled to Scotland with his two sons to watch the Six Nations match between Scotland and France.

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The man - who had a serious underlying health condition - was staying at the Point A Hotel in the Haymarket area. He took ill and was taken to Royal Infirmary for treatment but ultimately succumbed to the illness last Thursday.

Scotland's Chief Medical Officer Dr Catherine Calderwood said: "The patient, who was being treated by Lothian health board, was an older person who had underlying health conditions. No further information will be available to protect patient confidentiality."

"I offer my deepest sympathy to their friends and family at this difficult time."

Last week the Scottish Rugby Union (SRU) took the decision to suspend all rugby in Scotland and at the weekend advised all our staff to work from home with immediate effect.

A spokesperson from the SRU said: "We will continue to monitor the current situation and provide as much clarity as possible, when appropriate, on any future timelines, subject to the ongoing medical advice.

"All such information will be available through the usual Scottish Rugby channels – our website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Scottish Rugby TV as well as via press release.

"Lastly, we understand that your business and staff will be facing your own challenges at this time. We wish you all the very best at this difficult time and if Scottish Rugby can offer any support please let us know by directing any questions or queries to the media dept."