The Scottish Government has confirmed the two new cases of Coronavirus to be diagnosed in Scotland are from patients located in the Ayrshire and Grampian areas.

Health secretary Jeane Freeman told the BBC’s Good Morning Scotland programme on Wednesday that the total number of positive Covid-19 diagnoses in the country had risen to three overnight.

However, a statement from the Scottish government has now confirmed one of the patients had contracted the condition after recently travelling to northern Italy - where cases have been widely reported.

READ MORE: Housing complex on lockdown after suspected case

The other is said to have had contact with a known case, though health chiefs were quick to confirm this was not with another Scottish patient.

Earlier on Wednesday, a sheltered housing complex in Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire was placed on lockdown after a resident began displaying symptoms of the condition.

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said: “Our first thoughts must be with the patients diagnosed with coronavirus, I wish them a full and speedy recovery.

“We expect the number of cases to rise and Scotland is well-prepared for a significant outbreak of coronavirus. There is currently no treatment or vaccine so early detection measures will continue to be vital in helping to prevent the spread of the virus.”

She added: “People have a vital role to play in helping us contain any outbreak by following the latest health and travel advice, and following basic hygiene precautions, such as washing hands frequently, not touching their face and covering their nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.” 

A government spokesman said clinicians have begun contact tracing - the process of gathering details of the places they have visited and the people they have been in contact with.

However, it was stressed that the risk to those who had minimal contact with the affected parties, such as passing them on the street or in a shop, was very low and only those who have been in close contact would be approached by health professionals.

READ MORE: What are the symptoms and how does it spread?

Scotland’s Chief Medical Officer Dr Catherine Calderwood said: “Firstly our thoughts are with those who have been diagnosed, and with their families.

“Scotland is well equipped to deal with infections of this kind. We have a proven track record of dealing with challenging health issues, and have been preparing for this possibility since the beginning of the outbreak.

“We practice and prepare our response to disease outbreaks and follow tried and tested procedures, following the highest safety standards possible for the protection of NHS staff, patients and the public.”