Sturgeon: Scotland in coronavirus 'containment phase'

Scotland is in the “containment phases” of dealing with coronavirus, Nicola Sturgeon has said.

The First Minister was speaking after the country’s first case was confirmed on Sunday night.

It’s predicted 80% of the population could catch the virus over the coming months, however the vast majority will only experience mild symptoms.

One patient from Tayside is in hospital after testing positive for Covid-19 following a trip to Italy, where nearly 2000 people have been diagnosed.

Work is ongoing to trace anyone who might have come into contact with the Scottish patient, while community testing is being carried out by every health board.

Sturgeon took part in the UK Government’s Cobra meeting on Monday morning. An action plan drawn up by the four home nations will be published on Tuesday.

Speaking afterwards alongside health secretary Jeane Freeman and chief medical officer Dr Catherine Calderwood, she said Scotland was not yet at a stage were major events would have to be cancelled.

Dr Calderwood said 80% of Scotland’s population could catch the virus, but added that only 4% were expected to be hospitalised.

Sturgeon said: “We are not at that stage yet and decisions about if and when we reach that stage and what the implications will be will be guided very firmly by the scientific advice the four governments are receiving.

“The public should be reassured that there are well-established procedures and protocols in place.”