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Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
World
Alasdair Clark

Nicola Sturgeon warns 'non-optional' coronavirus advice should mean life is not normal

Scots following government coronavirus guidelines on social distancing and isolation correctly should not feel as though life is normal, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said.

With many continuing to ignore official advice to stay at home, the first minister warned the guidance was "not optional" but a set of rules to be followed.

Sturgeon said the advice would soon become enforceable through emergency legislation.

She said: “So if your life still feels entirely normal, ask yourself if you are doing the right things.”

"Parks should not be full," she insisted, speaking at a press conference in Edinburgh on Sunday flanked by health secretary Jeane Freeman and Scotland's chief medical officer Dr Catherine Calderwood.

Taking aim at those who have fled to the Highlands in a bid to distance themselves from others, she warned the virus “cannot be outrun” and said those doing risked spreading the virus amongst rural communities.

Government officials and locals in the Scottish Highlands were said to be "furious" as some areas were flooded by people escaping the virus, with campervans seen queuing for entry to camp sites.

The first minister warned it would put pressure on stretched local communities and resources.

Sturgeon also announced that ferry services from Scottish islands will now not be taking any non-essential passengers, although people will be able to leave the islands to return home.

Transport secretary Michael Matheson tweeted earlier: “With immediate effect ferry companies will no longer take non-essential travellers.

10 people have now died in Scotland after being diagnosed with the virus.

A total of 416 patients have tested positive, but the first minister also warned this was likely to be an underestimation.

You can keep updated with all the latest coronavirus updates from around Edinburgh throughout the day    using our live blog.

For the latest guidance on coronavirus from Health Protection Scotland,  click here.

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