Coronavirus social distancing measures are there 'for everyone', says UK health secretary Matt Hancock, in response to questions about flouting of the rules by Scottish chief medical officer Catherine Calderwood

UK health secretary Matt Hancock said the government 'couldn't be clearer' about the importance of social distancing.

Scottish chief medical officer Catherine Calderwood admitted to today to twice breaching coronavirus social distancing rules by travelling to her second home in Fife with her family.

Asked about the controversy as he led this afternoon's daily Downing Street briefing Mr Hancock said: "This is a matter for the Scottish Government and they, I know, are addressing the questions asked in Scotland.

"These rules are for everyone.

"We couldn't be clearer that social distancing rules are there for everyone."

Earlier today Mr Hancock said that restrictions on personal movement could be tightened if people failed to follow the current rules.

He said that people could be told they had to exercise at home, rather than being allowed outdoors for that purpose.

"The message from all of us across the board is very clear – we need perseverance in the face of some great challenges," he said in reply to a question at this afternoon's press conference.

This means perseverance in following the rules."

Related article: Scottish Chief Medical Officer Catherine Calderwood has revealed she visited her second home in Fife TWICE

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