Coronavirus / Wishart says new instructions ‘must be followed to save lives’
SHETLAND MSP Beatrice Wishart said new restrictions on people’s movements “must be followed to save lives” to stop the spread of coronavirus.
Prime minister Boris Johnson confirmed in a speech tonight (Monday) that people in the UK should only leave their homes for:
- shopping for basic necessities, as infrequently as possible
- one form of exercise a day – for example a run, walk, or cycle – alone or with members of your household;
- any medical need, to provide care or to help a vulnerable person; and
- travelling to and from work, but only where this is absolutely necessary and cannot be done from home.
As part of the measures all non-essential shops and community spaces are set to close. There will also be a ban on gatherings of more than two people in public, except if it is people who live together or it is for work purposes.
The relevant authorities, including the police, will be given the powers to enforce them – including through fines and dispersing gatherings.
The instructions, which will be reviewed in three weeks, were echoed by first minister Nicola Sturgeon.
Shetland MSP Wishart said: “The unprecedented instructions from the prime minister and first minister tonight could not be starker and must be followed to save lives.
“The measures apply to us all. They will help prevent the NHS from becoming overwhelmed in the face of this pandemic and will help protect loved ones and the most vulnerable in our communities. If you’re not in frontline services, stay at home.”
More information on the new guidelines can be found online.
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