Coronavirus warning: do not socialise this weekend

Scotland’s First Minister has warned people, especially young people, that socialising over the weekend could risk lives.

Nicola Sturgeon again appealed to the nation to observe the guidelines set down to halt the spread of the virus.

At her daily briefing, she warned those with plans to go out over the weekend that spreading the virus is a direct threat to the NHS in its efforts to deal with coronavirus cases.

She said: “Let me say candidly and frankly that people don’t like being told what to do by politicians and, in normal times, I might not blame you for not wanting to be told what to do by a politician. But please understand and believe me when I say that this is vital.

“It is vital for your own protection, it is vital for the protection of your loved ones – particularly if, amongst those, there are older or more vulnerable people.

"It's vital to the protection of our NHS and its ability to care for those who will need it in the weeks to come.

"It is vital for the protection of all of us and it's vital to help us save lives.

“I know that there will be some of you who might be wanting to head out to the pub for a final night out, or are looking forward to a meal out with friends, but my guidance to you is crystal clear – you must not consider this.

"Do not consider this advice to be merely optional.”

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