Coronavirus in Scotland: First Minister Nicola Sturgeon extends lockdown

The First Minister urged leaders across the UK to ease measures at the same time.

Speaking from St Andrews House, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon insisted she would "not be pressured" into lifting the lockdown before she was certain that it was safe to do so.

Ms Sturgeon said "any significant easing up of restrictions would be very very risky", adding that the move would only be considered once she was "confident that the all-important R number is comfortably below 1".

It comes as Boris Johnson signalled to MPs yesterday that lockdown measures would be relaxed from Monday.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon updating the public on the latest Covid-19 developments.

Ms Sturgeon said the Scottish government had not yet been consulted by Downing Street on the decision, but said that earlier today the Prime Minister had requested a call with the leaders of the devolved nations for this afternoon.

Today's announcement comes after the legally-required review of lockdown measures taken by the Scottish government this morning.

The next review is scheduled to fall on May 28, but the First Minister stressed that the government could decide to ease restrictions before then, if the evidence changes.

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