Scottish health secretary Jeane Freeman has warned the public to prepare for a "new normal" as restrictions on daily life continue for some time.
The comments come as the Scottish Government published a new document outlining how decisions will be taken to control coronavirus (COVID-19) while restoring a degree of normality to everyday life.
The paper - COVID-19: A Framework for Decision-Making - sets out the position during the ongoing period of lockdown and outlines the factors that must be considered as the country moves gradually to ease restrictions.
And Ms Freeman, the MSP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, said the public must be prepared to embrace a new way of living.
She said: “It is welcome that the Scottish Government has published an outline of how and when the lockdown may be lifted and I urge everyone to take the time to read the document.
“It is vital that any decision to ease restrictions is based on the best scientific advice possible – but we are in uncharted territory and we must be prepared to adapt.
"That might mean having to reapply restrictions after they are lifted.
“It is only when we are sure the virus is under control that we can even start to ease any of the restrictions because the virus will not have gone away.
“There are no easy answers – but it is right for the Scottish Government to be clear about the factors that will inform decision making.
“In the coming days and weeks members of the public will be invited to contribute their thoughts and views on the next steps we must make together.
“Unfortunately, returning to what we regard as a normal life will not be possible in the near future so we need to prepare for a new normal until treatments and a vaccine offer different solutions.
“While these measures are difficult for all of us, they are saving lives and protecting our NHS.”
