Nicola Sturgeon announces plans for moving to ‘delay’ phase in battle against coronavirus

The Scottish Government has confirmed that it is moving from the containment phase into the delay phase of the coronavirus outbreak, as it emerged the number of cases in Scotland has almost doubled to 60.

From next week, gatherings of more than 500 people which would normally require the presence of emergency services are to be banned in a bid to free up police, ambulance and A&E staff.

Sturgeon has also advised that from tomorrow, anyone with symptoms of coronavirus – which include a fever and cough – should self-isolate for a week and said there will no longer be routine testing of those who are self-isolating unless symptoms persist.

The First Minister also confirmed that “at this stage” school, colleges and universities will not close, but that the situation will be under constant review.

She said that this was largely to do with “longevity” as a decision to close these institutions would be a long-term decision, possibly lasting until the summer.

Local authorities will be advised to cancel all overseas school trips.

Sturgeon, who gave her statement after a Cobra meeting on coronavirus, said: “Closing schools would have a very direct impact on the ability of key workers to work.

“It would also lead to children gathering in more informal settings which could be more of a risk.”

Official statistics released today showed the number of confirmed cases in Scotland now sits at 60, which is a rise of 24 from the previous day.

UK-wide, there are a total of 596 confirmed cases and 10 people have died as a result of contracting coronavirus.

Sturgeon said: “We are entering a period where there will be significant changes to people’s day-to- day lives.”

It is expected that Boris Johnson will give his statement later on Thursday afternoon.