Coronavirus: Nicola Sturgeon warns virus 'will change life as we know it' in Scotland

Scotland is on the cusp of a "rapid acceleration" of coronavirus victims with cases doubling every few days, Nicola Sturgeon has said.

Speaking after a COBRA meeting in which the Prime Minister and the leaders of the devolved nations were given the latest update, the First Minister said Scotland was facing a "very challenging and, in our lifetimes, unprecedented situation".

"The advice that all four UK nations have received from scientific advisers is we are now on the cusp of a rapid acceperation that could see a doubling of cases every few days," she said.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon holding a media briefing at St Andrews House on Coronavirus (COVID-19) after she had taken part in the UK Governments COBRA meeting, on March 16, 2020 in Edinburgh Scotland. (Photo by David Cheskin - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

"We must step up the measures we take to slow the spread to protect our NHS's ability to provide care for those who need it and to save lives."

Announcing the those with compromised immune systems would be contacted by the government, and that pregnant women had been added to the group of most vulnerable people, she said that everyone should now avoid social contact as much as possible.

However, she said, there was still no decision made to close schools.

She added: "The measures reflect the seriousness of the situation we face. The measuers, though they will be disruptive, and will change life for all of us as we know it, are about doing the right thing for ourselves and for each other."

She said as a result of the COBRA meeting it had been agreed across all four nations that:

if any member of a household shows symptoms, the whole household should stay at home for 14 days

everyone should reduce all "non-essential" social contact, especially the over-70s, those with long-term health conditions and pregnant women

that all mass gatherings should be cancelled

She added: "In addition to advice last week to those who are experiencing symptoms of fever or persistent cough to stay at home for seven days, the advice from now is that any member of a household is symptomatic the whole household should stay at home for 14 days, not going out at all as far as possible, seeking help from others for shopping and basic essentials, and if that is not possible to reduce contact as much as possible.

"From today the advice on social distancing, to reduce all non essential social contact, is being given to everyone in the population. Where it is possible to do so you should work from home, avoid unnecessary travel, stay away from pubs, cinemas and crowded places, reduce unnecessary social contact as much as possible

"That advice is for everyone but particularly strongly for more vulnerable groups, people over 70, those who suffer from defined long term health conditions for which you currently receive the flu vaccination and thirdly pregnant women. We don't yet know enough about this virus which is why we're taking a precautionary moves for women who are pregnant."

The First Minister said that the most vulnerable - people who suffer from compromised immune systems - will be contacted over the next few days in an attempt to "shield" them.

She added: "Some of the impact on people could be significant in terms of mental health through isolation, and physical health with people not exercising, so we're talking about advice not bans.

"But we're in a rapdily evolving situation, and this is about reducing unnecessary social contact as much as possible. If you have symptoms the strong advice is to stay at home and not go out."

As far as schools are concerned she said there had been "considerable discussion" about potential closures, and that she anticipated "we will come back to this.

"The advice right now is that schools are not being closed on a blanket basis. It's better now to keep schools open for public health reasons associated with children themselves but also protecting and supporting frontline workers. It's very clear we are not recommending wholesale closures of schools right now."

Stressing that the measures would only work with the support of the general public, she added: “Life as we know it will change in the coming weeks and months, but our goal is to protect lives.

“We are facing an unprecedented situation that will require major societal change if we are to protect people, especially those most at risk and our NHS.

“The package of measures we are announcing today is based on scientific and clinical advice. While it will cause some disruption and be difficult for us all, it will help us to prepare for the virus and to protect ourselves and each other in the long run.

“We need your help to slow the spread of the infection. People have a vital role to play in helping us contain this infection and I urge everyone in Scotland to follow the latest health and travel advice, and follow basic hygiene precautions, such as washing hands frequently, not touching their face and covering their nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.

“This has not been an easy decision but it is vital if we are to stop the spread of the infection.”