Prime Minister Boris Johnson called for a UK-wide lockdown yesterday evening in a bid to slow down the spread of coronavirus. 

Members of the public have been told they cannot leave their homes unless they are shopping for basic necessities, attending medical appointments or doing daily excersise. 

Police Scotland have vowed to increase patrols in 'key areas' in response to new orders the UK has never seen before. 

READ MORE: Coronavirus lockdown: what you can and can't do

Chief Constable Iain Livingstone QPM said: “We are fully behind the new measures announced by the UK and Scottish Governments to increase social distancing, and I urge and expect everyone to comply with them.

“We are aware of the proposed legislation in relation to coronavirus and are carefully considering the implications in this very fast moving situation, which presents the gravest of threats to the nation.

“In the meantime, Police Scotland has a clear, positive duty to both protect life and improve the safety and wellbeing of people across Scotland, while supporting the government and health agencies in our fight against this pandemic.

“Therefore, until the new legislation is in place, we will be increasing police patrols in key areas across the country to engage with and provide guidance to anyone in contravention of the measures.”

As of 2pm yesterday, 499 people in Scotland tested positive for coronavirus with a death toll of 14. 

As part of the government's new measures to slow down further spreading of the virus, all shops selling non-essential goods have also been closed.