First Minister issues fresh plea for Scots to stick to lockdown
Nicola Sturgeon made a televised address to the nation where she said progress has been made - but it remains fragile.
The First Minister says coronavirus is in retreat in Scotland but has urged people to stick with the current lockdown restrictions.
Nicola Sturgeon made a televised address on Monday evening where she thanked the Scottish public for following the measures.
However, she warned that although progress had been made in tackling Covid-19 north of the border – that progress is “still fragile.”
Boris Johnson has relaxed some restrictions relating to work and travel in England – but Ms Sturgeon warned doing the same in Scotland is too risky.
She said: “If we ease up too soon, the virus could run out of control again.
“That would mean more people dying and all of us staying in lockdown much longer.
“There will of course be risks whenever we start to ease the lockdown.
“But my judgement right now is that the risk is still too great.
“Too many people are still dying, and the situation in care homes - despite the extraordinary dedication of our care workers - remains a serious concern.
“And the important R number - the rate at which the virus reproduces - is still uncomfortably close to one. If it exceeds one, the virus could rapidly take off again.”
It was confirmed on Monday that another five people who tested positive for Covid-19 in Scotland died.
In total, there have been more than 13,500 cases of the illness north of the border.
However, the First Minister revealed the number of COVID-19 patients in intensive care has fallen by almost two thirds in the last four weeks.
She also highlighted that the number of deaths registered in a single week fell for the first time last week.
Ms Sturgeon emphasised the Scottish Government’s stay at home message, but insisted restrictions won’t be in place for longer than necessary.
“These measures are essential for now. But we know they cause harm of their own, so we will not keep them in place for longer than necessary,” she said.
“As the infection rate continues to fall, we will gradually relax the restrictions.
“And we are already making preparations for that.
“We are working with businesses to produce guidance on safe workplaces.
“We are working on the changes needed on public transport.
“And we are talking to teachers and parents about how and when schools can safely return.
“We are doing all of that carefully because it is vital that when we do ask you to return to work or to school, you have clarity about what we are asking you to do and also confidence that it is safe.”
Towards the end of her address the First Minister also offered a special thank you to children, with no date yet set for pupils to return to school north of the border.
She added: “Not being at school, or seeing your friends, or hugging your grandparents is really tough.
“But you have handled it brilliantly. I'm so proud of all of you.”
Hear all the latest news from the North East of Scotland on the hour, every hour, at Northsound 1. Listen on FM, via our Northsound app, on your DAB radio, online at Northsound1.co.uk, or say ‘Play Northsound 1’ on your Smart Speaker.