As cases of coronavirus in the Lothians area rise to 188, Scotland's chief medical officer Dr Catherine Calderwood has warned that "some sort of measures" would be required for "at least 13 weeks".
She said that if self-isolation restrictions were relaxed before the 13 week mark - taking us to June - it could mean that new cases of coronavirus in Scotland could rise again.
Dr Calderwood spoke on BBC Four's Broadcasting House today, adding: "We've now had quite a significant lockdown-type measure in the UK for a week, we know that we can tell whether that's making a difference within two weeks to three weeks so that modelling is being relooked at.
"I think we've seen really good evidence of people taking themselves back into their homes and not going out nearly as much this week."
She also said that there had been “disappointing sights” last weekend of people ignoring measures and taking trips in groups to beaches which is “why we have really pushed for people to stay at home except for very essential shopping trips [and] a little bit of exercise once a day… but really not to see anyone if at all possible outside your own household”.
Her statement comes as Prime Minister Boris Johnson is set to send letters to households across the nation warning that the worst of coronavirus outbreak is yet to come.
The Prime Minister has also written to millions of households urging people to stay at home and warning that the government could impose even tougher lockdown measures if necessary.
Mr Johnson, who has himself tested positive for the coronavirus, announced last week that non-essential shops were to close and gatherings of more than two people were banned with all social events to be cancelled.
He wrote: "From the start, we have sought to put in the right measures at the right time. We will not hesitate to go further if that is what the scientific and medical advice tells us we must do.
"It's important for me to level with you - we know things will get worse before they get better.
"But we are making the right preparations, and the more we all follow the rules, the fewer lives will be lost and the sooner life can return to normal."
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For the latest guidance on coronavirus from Health Protection Scotland, click here.
