Social distancing measures may need to be in place for "most of the year" to help deal with the Covid-19 outbreak.
The Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) say it could be only way to stop the NHS becoming overwhelmed.
This week all schools have been closed while bars, restaurants, gyms and cinemas have been ordered to shut down until further notice.
As reported by our sister title the Manchester Evening News, Sage reckon some sort of social distancing measure would need to be in place "for at least most of the year" to control the pandemic.
They say alternating between periods of restrictive and relaxed measures could "plausibly be effective". The aim would be to keep the number of cases within NHS' capacity.
Sage add: "These would need to be in place for at least most of a year. Under such a policy, at least half of the year would be spent under stricter social distancing measures."
Coronavirus cases are expected to rise sharply in the coming days and weeks. To date, there have been 40 positive Covid-19 tests in the Lothian area, and 322 across the country. Six people have died in Scotland.
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For the latest guidance on coronavirus from Health Protection Scotland, click here.
