Police have visited Scotland’s chief medical officer Dr Catherine Calderwood and given her a formal warning after she was pictured flouting her own advice by visiting her second home in Fife.
Officers have been given the power to issue fines to anyone disobeying instructions not to leave home without a reasonable excuse, although it appears the force has stopped short of doing so in this instance.
Chief constable Iain Livingstone said: “Earlier today, local officers visited Dr Catherine Calderwood and spoke to her about her action, reiterated crucial advice and issued a warning about her future conduct, all of which she accepted.
“The legal instructions on not leaving your home without a reasonable excuse apply to everyone.
“Social distancing is the key intervention to curtail the spread of coronavirys and it is essential the instructions are followed to protect each other, support key workers, take strain from the NHS and save lives.
“Individuals must not make personal exemptions bespoke to their own circumstances.
“It is vital that everyone adheres to these requirements.
“Police officers and staff are putting themselves in harm’s way day and night to explain these instructions to our communities, encourage co-operation and, where necessary, enforce them.
“I want to thank the overwhelming majority of people across the country who are doing their duty during this public health emergency.
“Our fellow citizens are observing the guidance and making significant sacrifices and changes to their lifestyles and daily routines.
“I am grateful for their continued support and co-operation during this critical period.”
There are literally 1000s of families climbing the walls of their own homes desperate for respite and would love to peramble by the sea but don’t. We also have 1000s of police making sure they don’t. You try being a police officer explianing that to someone today!
— Calum Steele (@CalumA_Steele) April 5, 2020
Calum Steele, the general secretary of the Scottish Police Federation, had earlier said “The job of policing during this Covid-19 epidemic just got that little bit harder this morning” in clear reference to Dr Calderwood’s action.
He added: “There are literally thousands of families climbing the walls of their own homes desperate for respite and would love to peramble by the sea but don’t. We also have thousands of police making sure they don’t. You try being a police officer explaining that to someone today!”
— CMO Scotland (@CathCalderwood1) April 5, 2020
