Dominic Cummings leaving his home in London, to travel to Durham, when he should have been self-isolating at home has risked confusion around the rules, according to Scotland’s Health Secretary.

Without referring to Mr Cummings by name, Jeane Freeman used the daily briefing to restate the rules on self-isolation if you have symptoms, stating you shoudln't leave home "for any reason".

Ms Freeman said the rules on self-isolation “may have become confused by events elsewhere in the UK” in the last 24 hours.

Glasgow Times:

Mr Cummings, Boris Johnson's senior adviser, left London in March with his wife, who had symptoms, and son to travel more than 250 miles to Durham to be near family should Mr Cummmings develop symptoms and help was needed with their son.

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UK Government cabinet ministers have said Mr Cummings acted within the rules.

Asked if Mr Cummings should resign, Ms Freeman, said: "My concern is to make sure people in Scotland understand what the message is. 

"My worry is that public health message becomes confused and they think maybe it doesn't matter any more.

"What happens to any individual currently working for them (UK Government) is entirely a matter for them."

Ms Freeman said you shouldn’t leave home for any purpose and if you are worried about someone else in the home you should call the helpline.

She said: “If you think you have the virus, self isolate at home for a minimum of seven days. Get tested if you can. Anyone in the household should self-isolate for 14 days to see if they develop symptoms and then for 7 days if they do.

“Self isolation is not the same as lockdown. You shouldn’t leave the house for any reason.”

She said you should seek the support of family and friends and added: “If you are concerned about others who live with you phone the national helpline.”

She said she could not stress enough the importance of self-isolation, which she will become even more important to follow even if lockdown rules are relaxed later this week.

She urged: “Follow the rules completely.”

Asked if you are able to travel somewhere else to get help with childcare, Ms Freeman said "Nothing has changed in the rules. Guidance is really clear about isolating in your own home."

She said the Parent club website has advice for parents on isolating with small children and managing a whole range of circumstances.

Jason Leitch, National Clinical Director: "Self isolation difficult for some families. If you cant get it locally there is aphone number to get support."