A leading health expert warned there is a real danger that health problems will worsen as a result of the lockdown measures. However, he emphasised the urgent priority is saving lives.

Sir Harry Burns, professor of Global Public Health at Strathclyde University and a former Chief Medical Officer for Scotland, said a balance between health and economic measures was needed.

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He said: “The economic damage being done will affect health will widen health inequalities.

“It will damage people who have lost their job.

“There’s a real balance or urgency on the one hand of testing to lift the lockdown and on the other to make sure we get the economy back on track quickly.

“The risk to life is far greater and is the more urgent problem here.”

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