Nicola Sturgeon has urged Scots to take extra precautions while shopping in supermarkets to help prevent the spread of covid-19.
The First Minister set out a series of guidelines to be followed when visiting food retailers during today's Scottish Government coronavirus briefing.
She warned: "Shopping for food is, right now, one of the few reasons why we should be leaving our homes right now, but it is important to remember that, just like any other reason that we leave home, it's not risk-free."
"The new variant, as we know, is spreading faster and more easily, so it's all the more important that, when we do go to a shop right now, as is essential, we do take the necessary precautions and we are really rigorous in taking those precautions."
The guidelines are as follows:
- Limit number of times you go shopping, once a week instead of 2-3.
- Where possible, order online.
- If you do go to a shop and it's busy, don't go in - try somewhere else or decide to go back at a less busy time.
- Shop alone if you can. If that's not possible and you need help, try to make the group your with as small as possible.
- Sanitise your hands when entering and leaving supermarket.
- Maintain two metres distance at all times
- Wear a face covering
The reminder comes as Nicola Sturgeon announced a further 71 coronavirus deaths have sadly been recorded across Scotland, with positive covid-19 cases increasing by 1,480.
To follow all the latest from today's briefing and for further updates throughout the day, you can follow our live blog here.
