First Minister Announces Ban on gatherings of over 500

12th March 2020

Gatherings of more than 500 people should be cancelled from next week, the Scottish government is advising.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said this was to free up emergency services, including police and ambulance crews, to deal with coronavirus.

She said it was not necessary to close schools and universities yet, but added that would remain under review.

An emergency coronavirus statement at Holyrood is imminent, as is a press conference with the prime minister at Westminster.

There have now been 60 cases of Covid-19 confirmed in Scotland - a rise of 24 from Wednesday 11th March 2020.