Stay at home over Easter and only exercise outdoors one hour a day, Scots told

Scots have been urged to stay at home over the Easter weekend and not to venture far if going outside to exercise or visit shops.

An overhead sign on the M8 advises people not to travel this Easter weekend. Picture: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty

Jason Leitch, the Scottish Government’s National Clinical Director, said any outdoor recreation should not last longer than an hour. He added that long journeys and travel by car should only be undertaken if “unavoidable”.

Amid concern increasing numbers of Scots could flout social distancing guidance over the Easter weekend, the Scottish and UK Governments have reiterated that lockdown measures mean essential reasons such as buying groceries, healthcare, caring responsibilities or essential work.

Urging people to follow the advice, Prof Leitch said: “The best ways of slowing down the spread of coronavirus is staying at home, social distancing and hand washing, so I must thank everyone for all they have been doing so far to keep safe and comply with these stringent measures.

“The social distancing guidance has been tough and has seen us all having to adapt to new ways of keeping in touch with friends and family, which is why now more than every it is important for people to exercise and keep mentally and physically active.

“We need to use common sense. Please exercise at home and, if you are going out for a daily walk, run or cycle, stay at least two metres away from people you don’t live with.

“Do not be tempted to go for a drive for leisure. This is about going for a short walk locally, a run or a short bike ride, not spending time on your favourite sport or hobby.

“If you travel further afield, there is a risk you might come into contact with other people, whether you plan to or not, so please keep this to an absolute minimum.

“Only use your car to get somewhere if it is unavoidable and please remember that even in these circumstances journeys must be kept short.”

Douglas Cairns, from Transport Scotland, said: “We know this is not how people would want to be spending their Easter break, but it’s vital that we all play our part in these difficult times by following the guidance and keeping any travel to essential journeys only.

“Transport operators have cut back their services to focus on providing support to key workers.

“The only other reasons you should be travelling are to pick up essential supplies, for healthcare or to carry out caring responsibilities.

“You should only be using your car if really need to. The advice is clear so please don’t go for leisure drives even if the weather is good.”

Ian Blackford, the SNP’s Westminster leader, said tourists travelling to the Highlands and other rural areas not only risked spreading Covid-19, but put an unnecessary burden on local healthcare providers and amenities.

The Highlands MP revealed he has received thousands of emails from constituents concerned by the number of tourists visiting the area despite government advice directing people to avoid non-essential travel. Mr Blackford previously called for holiday accommodation providers to close to prevent the spread of the virus.