‘Non-essential’ meetings suspended

Colleges, libraries and gyms were closed in droves last night.

Culture and Leisure Dundee shut all of its venues, following on from all museums and libraries run by Culture Perth and Kinross.

Councils in both cities suspended all “non-essential” meetings and events but leaders said the vulnerable will continue to be looked after.

John Alexander, leader of Dundee City Council who is currently selfisolating, said: “We know from experience elsewhere that coronavirus is likely to have a significant impact on our communities over a period of some weeks, and therefore on public services too.

“Priority will continue to be given to essential and lifeline services, including those delivered to vulnerable people. I hope the public will understand that some other services may operate at reduced or very reduced capacity.”

Murray Lyle, leader of Perth and Kinross Council, called the situation “unprecedented”. He added: “We have asked staff to cancel or postpone nonessential business.”

Dundee and Angus College closed last night while Perth College suspended face-to-face teaching but kept its campus open.

Dundee-based Live Active Leisure shut all of its libraries, swimming pools and gyms, but Live Active Leisure, which runs gyms in Perth and Kinross, said their facilities would remain open until further notice.

In Fife, St Andrews

University students were given the stark message to “go home without delay, if you can”.

Principal Professor Sally Mapston made the warning yesterday morning in a bid to protect students who are unable to leave.

The university previously confirmed it has been planning for this situation for weeks and did not “underestimate the seriousness of this situation, or its effects on the life of our community”.

Measures taken so far include the closure of the university’s libraries, sports centre, students’ association, and public spaces until further notice, while some other buildings will only be accessible through swipe card.

Angus Council has cancelled its full council meeting which was due to take place tomorrow.

Quiet streets in St Andrews.