Scotland will not follow

Nicola Sturgeon has said that Scotland will not follow a move by the Westminster government to ease lockdown restrictions for vulnerable people who have been “shielding” from coronavirus.

The first minister said there would be no change in the guidance “at this stage”, following reports that the rules would be relaxed in England to enable people in that category to go outside for the first time in months.

Speaking about the Scottish Government’s approach to easing lockdown rules on the

Sophy Ridge on Sunday show on Sky News, Ms Sturgeon said: “I agree with the opinion that has been expressed over the weekend that we have got to be very cautious.

“This virus hasn’t gone away, there is still a significant risk that it could run out of control again.

“That’s why in Scotland we are moving very slowly, very cautiously.

“We have just gone into phase one of our route map out of lockdown, and that expressly recognises that in that phase there is a significant risk that the epidemic is not fully contained.”

About 2.2 million people in England are considered “extremely vulnerable” to the virus and have been advised to “shield” themselves.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has now said those shielding from Covid-19 in England would be able to spend time with other people outdoors.

In England, those considered extremely vulnerable will be able to go outside with members of their household from today, while continuing to follow social distancing guidelines.

And those who live alone can meet outside with one other person from another household.

Reviews of the shielding guidance are expected to be made at regular points in the coming weeks.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “I want to

The health secretary signalled that patients in rural areas could expect to have more services delivered digitally