BUSINESS at the Scottish Parliament is to be cut back following advice to stay indoors amid the coronavirus outbreak.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon told MSPs they will only meet one day a week rather than three "until the Easter recess at least".
The Easter recess is due to start on April 4.
Earlier, Holyrood's Parliamentary Bureau agreed, subject to parliamentary approval, that business in the Holyrood chamber will not take place as usual on Wednesday and Thursday this week.
First Minister's Questions typically takes place at noon on Thursday.
READ MORE: Coronavirus: Number of deaths in Scotland rises to 16
The Scottish Parliament said in a statement: "Following yesterday's announcement by the First Minister, the Parliamentary Bureau has met to confirm the chamber business for this week.
"Subject to Parliament's agreement, the Parliament will meet today and next Wednesday April 1 2020 only.
"There is no chamber business scheduled for Wednesday March 25 or Thursday March 26."
READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon: Holyrood will enforce coronavirus lockdown if necessary
Meanwhile, Presiding Officer Ken Macintosh spoke to MSPs about measures being taken by the Scottish Parliament to protect against the virus.
He said: "As members will be aware we are now practising social distancing throughout this building and in the chamber we have removed chairs to make sure that members are sitting a safe distance apart.
"It is very important that the Parliament continues to function at this vital time but that we do so whilst observing the vital public health message of keeping a safe distance."
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel