Sturgeon tells of ‘optimism’ over virus ‘in retreat’

First minister dampens upbeat message with warning to public to stay ‘on guard’

Nicola Sturgeon has said she has “never been more optimistic” about defeating Covid-19 but warned the public against complacency in the fight against the disease.

Despite her optimism, the first minister said the easing of restrictions this week could prove “tougher” than living in blanket lockdown if people drop their guard.

At her daily coronavirus briefing, Ms Sturgeon refused to go back on her decision to keep beer gardens closed even though it proved deeply disappointing to publicans and restaurateurs.

The day after she announced that Scotland was going into phase two of the route map out of lockdown, Ms Sturgeon acknowledged that businesses were growing increasingly anxious about the economic damage being caused by the measures.

Ms Sturgeon announced six more deaths of people with a positive coronavirus test, taking the total under that measurement to 2,470.

Over the last 24 hours, there had been a decline of 25 in the number of patients in hospital, down to 904.

A total of 19 patients were in intensive care, four fewer than the day before.

“These last three months have been really dreadful for all of us and dreadful, in particular, for all those who have lost loved ones and dreadful for those who have had to live under lockdown,” Ms Sturgeon said.

“But while I know there is still a long way to go and I know that anxieties are increasing for businesses, for parents – in terms of virus itself I have never been more optimistic than I am now that we can beat this thing and get back to something that is very close to normal.”

Ms Sturgeon warned the new arrangements could prove more challenging than total lockdown, as people realise the virus is in retreat.

She also acknowledged the anticoronavirus messaging was becoming more complex.

“There is no doubt this is, in some ways, a tougher phase we are going into,” the first minister said.

“We are seeing the virus in retreat so maybe we are not as on our guard as we have been at a time when we are going out more – which means, actually, we have to be more on our guard.”

With its messaging in mind, the Scottish Government has launched a new campaign based on the acronym, Facts. It stands for:

Face coverings in enclosed spaces. Avoid crowded places.

Clean hands and surfaces regularly. Two-metre distancing. Self-isolate and book a test if you have symptoms.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon during her daily briefing in Edinburgh.