Coronavirus in Scotland: Nicola Sturgeon warns hospitality venues will close if standard slip

The First Minister made the announcement at a press conference from St Andrew’s house on Tuesday.

Hospitality venues could be closed down if "slipping standards" on Covid-19 measures lead to outbreaks of the virus, Nicola Sturgeon has said.

The First Minster made the warning as she announced another four positive cases in Scotland, bringing the total to 18,558.

No deaths have been recorded in the last 24 hours, meaning the total number of fatalities remains at 2,491.

Nicola Sturgeon warns hospitality venues will close if standard slip

But Ms Sturgeon said the Scottish Government is likely to adopt a "cautious approach" to lockdown easing when its planned review takes place on Thursday.

She warned there is a "worrying resurgence" of Covid cases globally and stressed the hospitality sector in Scotland must ensure it is adhering to guidelines put in place.

While most businesses are following the rules, including mandating face coverings for staff and collecting the details of customers, she said she had heard anecdotally that some have not.

A further document has been distributed to venues to ensure they are fully aware of their responsibilities.

Ms Sturgeon said: "If we do start to see outbreaks linked to the hospitality sector, we would need to take action and that could include closing premises down again.

"Nobody wants to see that happen."

The First Minister added the standards "must become the norm" and "you cannot allow standards to slip".

Ms Sturgeon advised customers who are aware that venues are not following social distancing regulations to go elsewhere.

The First Minister said she is worried about the increase in cases elsewhere in the world.

"I remain highly concerned, possibly increasingly concerned again, about the Covid risk," she said.

"We are currently seeing a worrying resurgence of Covid cases, not just in far away parts of the world, but also in several countries across Europe right now."

Ms Sturgeon said as the suppression of the virus continues in Scotland, care should be taken it is not allowed to enter the country from outside.

She added the Scottish Government will reimpose the quarantine regulations on countries with spikes in coronavirus cases if they feel it is necessary.

The First Minister warned those planning overseas holidays to be aware the regulations could be reimposed while they are away.

Ms Sturgeon also announced a new pharmacy service - NHS Pharmacy First Scotland - which will replace the minor ailment service.

She said the first port of call for people suffering non-coronavirus symptoms will be their community pharmacist.

While the minor ailment service was only available to certain groups of people, Ms Sturgeon said the new initiative will be available to all Scots.

The First Minister said: "Pharmacy First Scotland is yet another demonstration, I think, of the importance and value of the work done by pharmacists across the country.

"Community pharmacies have been open throughout the pandemic and I know that their staff have worked immensely hard during this whole period."

Addressing her visit on Monday to the NHS Louisa Jordan in Glasgow, which was set-up originally to treat Covid-19 patients, the First Minister said 300 people have received orthopaedic treatment there as part of a pilot scheme.

The number of people to be seen as part of the pilot will now be expanded, Ms Sturgeon said, as well as offering X-rays and other medical imaging services.

She added: "By doing so, it will help us to reduce hospital waiting times and improve outcomes for patients, and will ensure that we're making use of a facility created to help us deal with Covid but not, at this stage, required for that."

Education Secretary John Swinney also addressed the briefing on the reopening of schools, a decision on which is expected later this week.

Mr Swinney said "we should be confident" schools will be able to reopen on August 11.

Reporting by PA

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