THE MP for Crossgates, Hill of Beath and Moss-side, Douglas Chapman, is urging people to heed UK and Scottish Government advice to stay at home.

The call comes after the UK and Scottish Government put the country into lockdown and urged everyone to stay at home unless for one form of exercise, essential shopping or caring for the vulnerable

Dunfermline and West Fife MP, Mr. Chapman, made the call after a number of people ignored Government advice at the weekend and made their way to parks and beaches across the Kingdom.

Commenting, he said: “The advice given by the UK and Scottish Governments is not optional, it must be followed to make sure we protect the most vulnerable and our health service.

“We are already seeing the NHS being stretched, and we are not even near the peak of this virus yet, so if you go out, gather in groups or ignore social distancing rules you are putting lives at risk.".

Mr Chapman added: “There are many people in our community who are at high risk and by flouting the strict guidelines set out by the Government you could be heightening that risk to serious levels. It could be your mum, your dad, your granny we are talking about - it is literally a life and death situation for many who need us all to be responsible citizens.

“The messages are simple – stay indoors, work from home if your job allows, do not go out unless for essentials like shopping, don’t buy more than you need, keep your distance from others, follow the self -isolating rules if you or a member of your household is displaying symptoms and wash your hands.

“If we keep to the rules, we’ll get through this".