Up to 250,000 Scots could be hospitalised by the coronavirus in a worst-case scenario, the country’s most senior doctor has warned.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Catherine Calderwood said between 50% and 80% of the population may become infected by the virus with a “peak” expected in two or three months time.

© DC Thomson

Dr Calderwood emphasised that the vast majority of cases would be mild. But she said up to 4% of Scots could need hospital treatment, the equivalent of between 200,000 and 250,000 people.

The forecast emerged at a press briefing hosted by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon held after it was revealed a