Nicola Sturgeon to reveal 'life after lockdown' in new government paper

The Scottish Government is set to publish a new document today which hopes to provide ‘a way forward’ beyond Coronavirus lockdown measures in place.

The publication aims to open up discussions of balancing current lockdown rules with the future prospect of returning to normal life when it’s safe to do so.

Speaking ahead of its publication, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said:

“The lockdown measures currently in place are absolutely necessary to suppress the virus, protect our health service and to save lives. But we need to chart a way forward, and this paper sets out the principles that will guide us.”

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. (Photo by HANDOUT/AFP via Getty Images)

The paper makes clear that, under current circumstances, people must adopt a ‘new normal’ in order to adapt and overcome the Coronavirus outbreak.

Ms Sturgeon said:

“The public across Scotland have acted responsibly in the face of this ongoing threat, and it is only right that we treat people like grown-ups by sharing our thinking with them on how we can move beyond the current lockdown phase. This paper is high level at this stage but will evolve into a detailed plan as our evidence develops.

Life may not return to normal for some time yet, but there is a way forward, and ultimately we will come through this challenge.”