VIDEO: Nicola Sturgeon calls for nationwide action against coronavirus outbreak in TV address

Nicola Sturgeon called for everyone to act as the coronavirus outbreak continues.

Addressing the nation live on STV, the First Minister reiterated the demands made by Prime Minister Boris Johnson in his daily briefing this afternoon for pubs, restaurants and other social spaces to close down.

She said the number of cases of Covid-19 are set to rise sharply, and that everyone must act now to slow the spread of the virus.

She added that we must also reduce the number of people we meet and come into contact with.

Ms Sturgeon said we are “entering stormy waters”.

“There’s no doubt difficult days do lie ahead but I close on a note of hope and belief,” she said, adding that “with compassion and kindness and dedication and expertise of our NHS we can and will get through this”.

She said her own sister and sister-in-law work for the NHS, and the debt of gratitude owed to NHS workers is “enormous”.

And she encouraged people to support local businesses but not to panic buy.

Directing a message to Scotland’s older population, she said: “To older people, we’re asking you to stay away from your grandkids; from the people you love.

“That’s hard. But it is for your protection. So you can stay around to see them grow up.”

She also spoke directly to children as schools across the country shut down, urging them to keep up with their studies and homework as well as continuing to have fun.

“I need your help, I need you to follow health advice and look out for people around you,” Ms Sturgeon said.

“There’s no doubt that difficult days lie ahead but I close on a note of hope and belief.

“This crisis is reminding us just how fragile our world is. But it’s also reminding us what really matters. Health, love, solidarity.

“With compassion and kindness and the dedication and expertise of our NHS we can and we will get through this. Thank you for all you are doing to help.”