Nicola Sturgeon urges public to 'stick to lockdown rules' amid Dominic Cummings row

Nicola Sturgeon has urged to the public to follow lockdown rules.

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has yet to comment on the Cummings case, instead of taking to Twitter on Sunday morning to ask the public to "stick to lockdown rules".

Conservative MPs have ramped up pressure on Boris Johnson to dispense with his top aide amid fresh allegations that Dominic Cummings broke lockdown rules more than once.

The Prime Minister has been urged to sack Mr Cummings after reports surfaced that the 48-year-old made a second trip to County Durham, where his family lives, despite stringent social restrictions.

Avoiding a direct comment in relation to Mr Cummings, Ms Sturgeon said: "Please stick to lockdown rules for now & not just because they are the rules - they remain the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones.

"Please stay at home except for essential purposes, stay 2 metres apart from others when you are out and don't meet other households.

"If you have Covid-19 symptoms - a new, persistent cough, fever, loss/change of taste/smell - please isolate at home for 7 days. If someone in your household has symptoms please isolate for 14 days.

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has yet to comment on the Cummings case. Pictures: PA

"We will review the current rules on Thursday and hopefully, evidence permitting, move to Phase 1 of @scotgov routemap out of lockdown, with the gradual easing of some restrictions.

"But for now, please continue to do the right thing - it really is helping to save lives."

The PM pledged his "full support" on Saturday to his under-fire chief adviser, who it emerged had travelled 260 miles to the North East in March to self-isolate with his family while official guidelines warned against long-distance journeys.

According to the Sunday Times, the Conservative Party leader told allies he would not throw Mr Cummings "to the dogs" following reports he made the journey to ensure his four-year-old child could be looked after as he and his wife were ill.

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