Irvine’s SNP has stressed the importance staying at home to help tackle the continuing COVID-19 pandemic.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon re-emphasised the message this month, clarifying the guidelines in Scotland on lockdown measures which remain largely unchanged.

Ruth Maguire MSP added: “The guidance from the Scottish Government with regards to lockdown measures has been clear and consistent. By continuing to remain at home, the progress made so far in tackling this pandemic is protected at a pivotal point.

“The lockdown will not be kept in place for a moment longer than is necessary and is under constant review. A phased approach to easing restrictions will be issued by the Scottish Government as soon as it can.”

The First Minister said: “Let me be very blunt about the consequences if we were do that – people will die unnecessarily and, instead of being able to loosen restrictions hopefully in the near future, we will be faced instead with having to tighten them. We must not take that risk.

Guidelines in Scotland now permit people to leave the house more than once a day for exercise.

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