First Minister tells non-essential businesses to close or face being shut down

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has threatened non-essential businesses that are still open with the use of emergency powers if they do not close voluntarily.

Speaking during her daily briefing Ms Sturgeon called on building sites and hairdressers to shut down over the “rapid acceleration” of the coronavirus.

She confirmed that there are 83 new cases from yesterday and that four more patients have died, bringing the total number of fatalities in Scotland to 14.

“I want to repeat the message I gave yesterday that this is not to be seen as optional, that we are expecting people to comply with this because it is really important – if we all comply with these measures we will help to protect ourselves, we will help to protect our family and loved ones.

“We will help to protect our National Health Service and the country as a whole and this will reduce the number of people who die from this virus so if you have symptoms of coronavirus which again is a new and persistent cough or a fever you must isolate yourself for seven days."

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