Timeline towards Covid-19 lockdown

The impact of coronavirus Covid-19 has escalated rapidly in recent days. Here are some of the developments of an unprecedented week.

Monday, March 16

Prime Minister Boris Johnson asked people to work from home and avoid all non-essential contact with immediate effect.

Tuesday, March 17

NHS Lanarkshire completely suspended all visiting at its hospitals.

North Lanarkshire Council closed its leisure and culture facilities, including museums, libraries, swimming pools, gyms and community centres,“for the foreseeable future”.

The Scottish Courts Service announced that no new jury trials would get underway until further notice.

Wednesday, March 18

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced that schools would close two days later, and warned that they “may not open before summer.”

NHS Lanarkshire cancelled non-urgent elective surgery and outpatient appointments at its acute hospitals to free up hospital capacity.

Both the Catholic Church and Church of Scotland announced that all public worship was suspended.

Thursday, March 19

Education minister John Swinney said SQA exams would be cancelled for the first time in their 132-year history.

NHS Lanarkshire announced that GP surgeries would be focusing on urgent cases and using virtual appointments.

Friday, March 20

All restaurants, pubs, clubs, gyms and cinemas across the country were told to shut by the end of the day.

ScotRail announced that it would be introducing a reduced timetable.

Saturday, March 21

Reports were made of social distancing being flouted across the UK.

Sunday, March 22

The First Minister said:“Life should not feel normal”, adding that distancing guidance is“a set of rules”.

Mother’s Day was marked with video calls replacing family gatherings.

Monday, March 23

The First Minister asked“nonessential”shops and businesses to shut.

With the UK death toll at 335, the Prime Minister imposed three weeks of stringent restrictions, instructing:“You must stay at home”with the only exceptions being essential food shopping, once-daily exercise, medical care and travel to essential work.