HOSPITALITY venues could be closed down if "slipping standards" on Covid-19 measures lead to outbreaks of the virus, Nicola Sturgeon has said.
The First Minster made the warning as she announced another four positive cases in Scotland, bringing the total to 18,558.
No deaths have been recorded in the last 24 hours, meaning the total number of fatalities remains at 2491.
But Sturgeon said the Scottish Government is likely to adopt a "cautious approach" to lockdown easing when its planned review takes place on Thursday.
She warned there is a "worrying resurgence" of Covid cases globally and stressed the hospitality sector in Scotland must ensure it is adhering to guidelines put in place.
READ MORE: Humza Yousaf issues warning on quarantine risk to travellers
While most businesses are following the rules, including mandating face coverings for staff and collecting the details of customers, she said she had heard anecdotally that some have not.
A further document has been distributed to venues to ensure they are fully aware of their responsibilities.
Sturgeon said: "If we do start to see outbreaks linked to the hospitality sector, we would need to take action and that could include closing premises down again.
"Nobody wants to see that happen."
The First Minister added the standards "must become the norm" and "you cannot allow standards to slip".
READ MORE: BBC issues ruling over claim FM 'enjoyed' setting lockdown rules
Sturgeon advised customers who are aware that venues are not following social distancing regulations to go elsewhere.
The First Minister said she is worried about the increase in cases elsewhere in the world.
"I remain highly concerned, possibly increasingly concerned again, about the Covid risk," she said.
"We are currently seeing a worrying resurgence of Covid cases, not just in far away parts of the world, but also in several countries across Europe right now."
Sturgeon said as the suppression of the virus continues in Scotland, care should be taken it is not allowed to enter the country from outside.
She added the Scottish Government will reimpose the quarantine regulations on countries with spikes in coronavirus cases if they feel it is necessary.
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