Scots to receive letters from Nicola Sturgeon and Boris Johnson to drive home coronavirus message

Boris Johnson chairs a Covid-19 meeting via video call

Scots will receive letters from both Boris Johnson and Nicola Sturgeon within days urging them to obey the lockdown and stay home during the coronavirus pandemic.

Enclosed leaflets will include rules on leaving the house and advice on shielding vulnerable people following claims of confusing messages on the lockdown.

A clear explanation of symptoms of coronavirus will also be included as will guidance on hand washing.

The Prime Minister, who is self-isolating in Downing Street after testing positive for the disease, will warn in his letter “things will get worse before they get better” as he stresses the need to stay indoors to support the NHS by slowing the spread.

At an anticipated cost of £5.8 million, the letters will land on 30 million doorsteps along with a leaflet spelling out the Government’s advice following much public confusion.

“We know things will get worse before they get better,” the Prime Minister’s letter will read.

“But we are making the right preparations, and the more we all follow the rules, the fewer lives will be lost and the sooner life can return to normal.”

The letter adds: “Thousands of retired doctors and nurses are returning to the NHS – and hundreds of thousands of citizens are volunteering to help the most vulnerable.

“At this moment of national emergency, I urge you, please, to stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives.”

Hours after Downing Street announced the Prime Minister’s letter, the Scottish Government said First Minister Nicola Sturgeon would also be writing to every household in Scotland in a £300,000 initiative.

Mr Johnson held a video conference with government ministers and officials yesterday morning on the Government’s efforts to combat coronavirus.

Scottish Secretary Alister Jack revealed yesterday he had mild symptoms of coronavirus and was self-isolating.