500 lockdown fines in Scotland
Last updated 10th Apr 2020
Police Scotland's chief constable says officers have issued more than 500 fixed penalty notices to people they've found not adhering to lockdown rules.
Appearing at the Scottish Government's daily briefing Iain Livingstone thanked people who were following the guidance adding that his officers would "explain legal instructions, encourage compliance and when needed enforce the law''.
He added: "Since emergency powers came into effect two weeks ago, we have been required to take enforcement action in limited situations.
"Thus far, across the whole of the country, we have issued more than 500 fixed penalty notices.
"This has typically been during incidents where people do not comply with legal instructions even after being spoken to by officers, for example house parties or other gatherings in public where those involved refuse to disperse.''
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon confirmed 495 patients have died in Scotland after testing positive for coronavirus, up by 48 from 447 on Thursday.
She said 5,275 people have now tested positive for the virus in Scotland, up by 318 from 4,957 the day before.
There are 207 people in intensive care with coronavirus or coronavirus symptoms, a decrease of five on Thursday.
Ms Sturgeon added that 1,832 people are in hospital with confirmed or suspected Covid-19.
The First Minister praised the work of health and care staff across Scotland, as well as paying tribute to those who have lost their lives due to the virus.
Giving an update on Thursday's Cobra meeting, the First Minister said that the UK would remain on lockdown.
She added that there was no evidence of any change to the spread of the virus which would be needed to lift the restrictions.
The First Minister said: "As that evidence becomes available we will be able to review the situation, but for now, the message remains exactly the same as it has been.''
Travel levels in Scotland have also been reduced, the First Minister said, as she thanked Scots for adhering to the lockdown rules.
She also conformed the Scottish Government does not expect the NHS Louisa Jordan hospital, being set up at the Scottish Events Campus in Glasgow to be used.
She said: "Let me be clear, our current hope, indeed our current expectation, is that this hospital will not need to be used.
"But it is important that we prepare now so that it is available if it is necessary.''
The First Minister added that the hospital will be available for use "from mid-April''.