Until now, the most visible signs of the coronavirus crisis in our towns and cities have been empty roads and boarded-up pubs and shops.
But from today, the majority of the public are likely to be going about their business with their faces covered.
The face mask will be the defining image of 2020.
Many Scots began wearing protective masks long before the First Minister’s recommendation yesterday.
But even more will be wondering why this advice wasn’t given weeks ago?
Masks and other face coverings won’t keep people 100 per cent safe but they have the potential to make a difference.
The virus is mainly spread through droplets when a person exhales, coughs and sneezes. It stands to reason then that anything covering the nose and mouth would offer some sort of protection for the wearer and everyone else.
That doesn’t mean everyone should run out and buy medical grade masks.
The advice is clear that a scarf or cloth covering will be good enough for now.
The First Minister is right to warn the public not to forget the core message in the battle against Covid-19.
Social distancing and hand-washing rules have to be maintained. Wearing a mask or face covering doesn’t make you immune to infection.
Follow all of the advice and stay safe.
Streets of change
Coronavirus will leave a long-lasting, devastating legacy and the opportunities to see any positives are hard to find.
But one area where society could do with learning lessons is on transport.
The way our streets have changed has been dramatic.
While trade and public transport have suffered, cycling and walking have grown on near-deserted streets.
A new £10million injection to help “active travel” cannot just be a stop-gap.
Society has needed better space for pedestrians for too long. And the pressures of climate change mean we need to rethink our public spaces, and who should get priority.
When lockdown eases, this is one area of public policy that cannot just go “back to normal”.
Heat’s on for John
If you think you are having a bad day, spare a thought for MasterChef judge and celebrity chef John Torode.
As he was making muffins on This Morning, a tea towel behind him went on fire.
John responded brilliantly and managed to throw the towel into the sink.
But it can be a relief for us amateurs that even a MasterChef can burn stuff in the kitchen.
