We’ll all have to cover up for the ‘foreseeable future’, insists FM

Nicola Sturgeon warned face masks will have to be worn for the “foreseeable future” as Scotland recorded the highest number of new coronavirus cases for three weeks.

At her daily coronavirus briefing, Ms Sturgeon reported there had been no Covid-19 deaths in the last 24 hours, but there had been 18 new cases compared with six the day before.

The first minister described the rise as “very low” but said it was being investigated “very closely” and as yet there was no suggestion the cases were linked.

But national clinical director Professor Jason Leitch said the increase could be related to the easing of lockdown measures made three weeks ago.

The day after she announced the most significant relaxation of the coronavirus restrictions, Ms Sturgeon admitted she was anxious about the impact that moving into phase three of the route map out of lockdown would have on the disease.

And speaking on the day when face coverings became compulsory in shops, the first minister was unable to say when people would have to stop wearing face masks.

“I certainly hope it is not permanent like seatbelts. But I think it is for the foreseeable future,” Ms Sturgeon said.

“Therefore, it is as well getting into the habit (of wearing them) now and treating it as much as an automatic instinct as we do seatbelts now.”

Ms Sturgeon urged the public not to become complacent as businesses open up and people are able to enjoy more freedom.

“The lifting of restrictions, important and welcome though it undoubtedly is, mustn’t mean the dropping of our guard, and that’s really important,” she said.

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I certainly hope it is not permanent like seatbelts. NICOLA STURGEON