‘These are rules we are expecting people to comply with’: Nicola Sturgeon lays down the law to Scots amid fears that coronavirus social distancing rules are STILL being flouted as country’s death toll hits 14
- The First Minister leader said that social distancing measures were ‘not optional’
- Scots joined other Brits in widespread civil disobedience at the wekened
- After pleas for people to stay at home it makes an official ban more likely today
- Coronavirus symptoms: what are they and should you see a doctor?
Nicola Sturgeon ordered Scots to obey the ‘rules’ on social distancing to save lives as the nation’s death toll from coronavirus rose.
The First Minister said that social distancing measures were ‘not optional’ as her countrymen and women joined other Brits in widespread civil disobedience amid demands they stay at home as much as possible.
This afternoon it was revealed a further four people had died after testing positive for coronavirus in Scotland, taking the total number of deaths there to 14.
At the weekend Scotland’s picturesque islands became a no-go zone for tourists, as ferry companies were instructed not to carry non-essential travellers amid reports city dwellers were seeking to flee built-up areas.
Many people also continued to visit the Highlands at the weekend, often in large groups.
In a televised press conference today Ms Sturgeon again highlighted official guidance to stay at home.
‘I have used the word ”advice” but I want to repeat … this is not to be seen as optional,’ she said.
‘What I am about to set out should be considered rules we are expecting people to comply with.
This is important because if we all comply with these measures we will help to protect ourselves, we will help to protect our families and loved ones, we will help to protect our NHS and the country as a whole.
‘And we will reduce the numbeer of people who die from this virus.’
Her warning came as the UK deaths from coronavirus last night soared to 281.
Motorcyclists enjoy a Sunday ride in Inverrary, despite the Scottish government asked the public to stop traveling to the Highlands
Camper vans are parked up at Glen Coe, near Fort William
The First Minister said guidance on social distancing will help to stop the spread of the virus, while decreasing pressure on the NHS
The First Minister had earlier lashed out at those flouting the social distancing measures, with reports suggesting high numbers of people in parks and beaches across Scotland over the weekend, that an overwhelmed NHS will lead to people dying ‘needlessly and avoidably’.
She added: ‘That is what we’re trying to prevent.’
Tourists stop for a photograph in Glen Coe as visitors continued to stream to the Highlands of Scotland
Lots of people took to the seafront in Aberdeen, on the east coast of Scotland, for a Mothers’ Day stroll
Ms Sturgeon also reiterated warnings to younger people during the pandemic, claiming there could be a ‘sense of invincibility’, adding: ‘You can’t guarantee that you won’t get this virus, you can’t guarantee you won’t get seriously ill if you get it.’
She continued: ‘Even if that was true, you will be at risk of passing it on to others, particularly the most vulnerable.’
Meanwhile, the First Minister urged the UK Government and EU to set aside Brexit talks for an indefinite period to focus on tackling the outbreak.
She said: ‘The negotiations around the new relationship haven’t yet really got off the ground and certainly haven’t got anywhere near concluding.
‘I think all of that should be suspended and put to one side – I can’t say for how long, for as long as necessary.’
She added: ‘I’m a politician, I’ve argued for independence all my life, but right now I’m a First Minister for every person in Scotland, trying to steer us through the biggest crisis of our lifetimes.
‘That’s the only thing that matters to me right now. It’s all I’m focused on and I think that should be the case of every leader.’