BORDERS residents are being urged not “to bend the rules early” following Nicola Sturgeon’s latest coronavirus lockdown announcement.

On Tuesday (March 16) the First Minister outlined a number of key changes to lockdown rules in the coming weeks, including the reopening of gyms, pubs and hairdressers.

The 'stay at home' requirement will also be replaced by a temporary message to 'stay local' from April 2 as Scotland continues its phased route towards greater normality.

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Following Ms Sturgeon’s announcement on Tuesday, NHS Borders' director of public health Tim Patterson said: “Today’s announcement undoubtedly brings hope for a brighter summer, however it is important to remember that the ‘route back to normality’ is dependent on suppressing COVID-19.

“As the First Minister said earlier today, COVID-19 is still dangerous and even more infectious than it was previously.

“Our journey out of lockdown must be a careful and cautious one. So we are asking the people of the Borders to remain patient and stick with the rules in order to continue protecting each other and our local health and social care services.

“Please do not be tempted to bend the rules early or travel into other local authority areas unless for permitted and essential purposes. And when you are out and about, please follow the FACTS advice.”