I WOULD like to thank everyone who is continuing to observe the restrictions that are in place to help us slow the spread of coronavirus.

We know that travel in Scotland has now been reduced – almost entirely – to that which is essential. This is welcome news.

I know it’s tough. And as we are now into the fourth week of lockdown it will become increasingly hard, as we miss visiting our friends and family even more. We all miss things we would have taken for granted just a few weeks ago, such as a run on the beach, or a walk in the park or the countryside.

The decisions I and colleagues are having to take are ones I could never have predicted just a short time ago. However they have been taken to protect the health of our nation, and by following the rules we have set, you too are playing your part in saving lives and protecting our NHS.

Scotland – like the rest of the UK – will remain in lockdown for the moment. At this time, we simply do not have enough evidence on the impact of the restrictions on the spread of the virus, to have confidence about when we can come out of them. Doing so too early risks undoing all of our hard work so far, and it would see the virus potentially spread beyond our control.

As more evidence becomes available we will be able to review the current situation and I very much look forward to the day when I can tell you that some or all of the restrictions are being lifted.

In the meantime, I thank you for your patience as we work through this, together.

Of course, as many people stay at home, others are out doing essential work.

Our posties, refuse collectors, cleaners, supermarket staff, utility workers and, of course, those in our NHS and social care sector, have my deepest gratitude for all they are doing to keep the country going and to care for us in our hour of greatest need.

My sincere thanks extend to a group of people who have been instrumental in building a key component of our preparations for tackling the impact of the virus – the new NHS Louisa Jordan hospital, based here in Glasgow in the SEC.

On Friday last week I visited the hospital to see the preparations that are under way.

An incredible amount of work has gone into the facility, which will initially create capacity for 300 extra hospital beds and up to 1000 in the longer term, should it turn out that we need them.

More than 20,000 square metres of flooring have been laid, partitions between beds have been erected and 8000 pieces of medical equipment have been ordered. As a result, the NHS Louisa Jordan is on track to be operational by mid-April.

Our current hope, and indeed our current expectation, is that this hospital will not need to be used – however we are preparing now, so that it is ready if necessary.

This work and the short time in which it has been completed is an example of the effort and dedication that is going into fighting this virus – by so many people and on all fronts.

These are testing times, but that spirit of determination is one I am holding onto.

We see it in our communities too, with thousands of volunteers and neighbours helping out those in a more vulnerable situation. People are helping by collecting prescriptions and delivering shopping. And everyone has

been able to show appreciation

for frontline workers by clapping for our carers on a Thursday evening.

Even a friendly phonecall every now and then can go a long way towards making someone feel less isolated or anxious.

That feeling of isolation, loneliness or anxiety can occur even if you are in a household of more than one person. This is an anxious and scary time for all

of us.

Even for people who have not experienced mental health difficulties, this is a hugely stressful and uncertain time.

I am acutely aware of this and as a government we will do all we can to offer reassurance and provide support to those who need it.

We recently announced funding of £3.8 million to begin to increase the capacity of NHS 24’s telephone and online services for those seeking help with mental health.

This includes £2.6m to expand the NHS 24 Mental Health Hub and Breathing Space service – both the telephone helpline and webchat – with £1.2m to provide extra capacity for Computerised Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.

It is vital that during this unprecedented period of uncertainty anyone who requires support for their mental health can receive it.

If you are in need or concerned for a loved one, please reach out. You are not alone in this and though it is hard just now, we will get through it, together.