Nicola Sturgeon: Five mile limits not to be imposed as lockdown eased

The First Minister has said that she is relying on the public to make their own decisions on what travel is appropriate.

The First Minister has asked people to "use their judgement" when it comes to travelling to see family members during phase one of lockdown, and has confirmed that there will be no five mile limit imposed.

She has said that people can travel to a relative's home and spend time with them outside, but she warned against going inside - for instance to use the toilet - in case they inadvertently leave the virus behind on surfaces.

Ms Sturgeon also warned that breaking lockdown measures over the bank holiday weekend could see plans to ease the restrictions delayed.

A person walks past coronavirus related graffiti on a wall in Glasgow.

The First Minister used her daily coronavirus briefing to say the one thing that will slow the lifting of lockdown is "taking our foot off the brake" too quickly, leading to a resurgence of the virus.

Stage one of the Government's four-phase plan to lift lockdown is scheduled to begin on May 28, with Scots then allowed to meet people from outside their own household, sunbathe and take part in some non-contact sports like golf.

But Ms Sturgeon stressed the lockdown message to "Stay at home" remains in place this weekend.

She said: "We do need to stick with it for a few more days. Not all of the phase one measures will necessarily be introduced next Thursday, but I hope that most of them will be, or at least a day or two afterwards."

Nicola Sturgeon: Five mile limits not to be imposed as lockdown eased

Ms Sturgeon also clarified that after May 28 people will be able to spend time outside, while adhering to social distancing, with others from one other household at a time.

Addressing the impact lockdown is having on Scots' mental health, the First Minister said the Scottish Government has provided more than £8 million for projects, through its Wellbeing Fund, to help tackle social isolation.

She added: "It is okay not to feel okay and help is available if you need it."

Also speaking during the briefing, Police Scotland Chief Constable Iain Livingstone said his officers will be "out and about" over the weekend explaining the lockdown rules and "as a last resort" enforcing the law.

Additional reporting by the Press Association

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