The Scots’ public has been urged to continue staying at home to save lives following the release information about the use of emergency powers by the police.
Since the new powers were implemented, officers in the north and north-east have had to intervene a number of times, with some financial penalties issued and arrests made,
Police in the north-east reported that after being informed of the law on social distancing, 245 people complied and dispersed, while 39 had to be instructed to separate.
Officers handed out 95 fixed penalty notices, returned 17 people home using ‘reasonable force’ and arrested one person.
Four people in the Highlands and Islands were arrested, while three were returned home and 90 fixed penalty notices were issued.
Police in the area had to instruct 25 people to disperse, while a further 226 willingly dispersed.
Conservative MP for Moray, Douglas Ross was pleased to hear such low numbers of people were offending, but urged the public to continue to comply with regulations.
He said: “I think the low numbers of people being arrested and returned home shows that overall people are complying with the guidance.
“It is imperative people continue to stay home to protect the NHS and save lives.
“The figures reiterate the powers that the police have and that they will use them to ensure people are complying.”
North-east MSP Kevin Stewart added: “These are unprecedented times and if folk are not following the rules in place then the police will rightly take appropriate action to protect us all.
“Every single one of us can play our part in the fight against this pandemic by staying at home and following the government guidance – stay at home, protect our NHS, save lives.”
Between Friday, March 27 and Thursday April, 23, police issued 1,637 fixed penalty notices and made 78 arrests across the country.
Deputy Chief Constable Malcolm Graham, strategic lead for the coronavirus response, has asked people to stick with social distancing and not be tempted to ignore it as the warm weather continues.
He said “In Scotland, we have been able to maintain a highly visible presence in our communities as our officers and staff work round the clock to engage with our fellow citizens, explain these requirements and encourage people to co-operate with them.
“The message is clear.
“You should only leave the house for very limited purposes, for example for basic necessities, such as food and medicine, for daily exercise, for medical needs or travelling for work which cannot be done at home.”
