Nicola Sturgeon warned Scotland that life ‘shouldn’t feel normal right now’ as she blasted people who were endangering lives by flouting anti-coronavirus measures.
The First Minister said that social distancing measures were ‘not optional’ as Scots joined other Brits in widespread civil disobedience amid demands that people stay at home as much as possible.
It came as 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 continued to visit the Highlands at the weekend, often in large groups.
This afternoon a further four people died after testing positive for coronavirus in Scotland, taking the total number of deaths there to 14.
In a televised press conference Ms Sturgeon said: ‘Let me be clear, the advice should not be considered optional, it should be seen instead as a set of rules to be followed.
‘To protect Scotland we should all do the right thing. Life shouldn’t feel normal right now.’
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 said guidance on social distancing will help to stop the spread of the virus, while decreasing pressure on the NHS.
Speaking to Good Morning Scotland today, Ms Sturgeon said: ‘I want to be very clear to people, the advice that is being given to people is not to be seen as optional.
‘Consider it a set of rules that is to be followed, because it is about helping us do these key, critical things, slow down the spread, reduce the peak impact of this, which is so important in making sure that our National Health Service doesn’t become overwhelmed and ultimately it will save lives and it will save, potentially, a lot of lives.’
The First Minister also warned 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.’
On Sunday, the Scottish Government announced 416 cases had been confirmed north of the border, but the First Minister confirmed this figure was vastly different from the true number of cases.
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.’