VISITORS have been urged to stay away from Fife to stop the risk of spreading the coronavirus.

Council co-leader David Ross told those thinking of escaping to the Kingdom to "stay away" after it emerged that Scotland's chief medical officer had made two weekend trips with her family to her second home in Earlsferry.

Dr Catherine Calderwood went against her own advice to the public to stay at home to save lives and protect the NHS.

She resigned from her role as a result but Councillor Ross issued a warning for anyone tempted to follow suit.

He said: "Fife is a very popular destination for outdoor activities with the Fife Coastal Path and the Pilgrim’s Way, the Lomond Hills, Tentsmuir Forest and Lochore Meadows.

"Fife also has many second and holiday homes, particularly in our rural and coastal areas.

"In ordinary times, we welcome visitors, but, right now, the message has to be please stay away.

"For Scotland’s chief medical officer to visit her holiday home in Fife was unbelievably stupid.

"Not only does it undermine confidence in the advice coming from the Scottish Government and its medical professionals, it also distracts from the other very real issues that need to be addressed such as the availability of Personal protective Equipment (PPE) and the necessary increase in testing.

"The more people from Fife or beyond who visit these areas or come to their holiday homes, the more chance there is of spreading the coronavirus and the more pressure this puts on local services whether council, health, police or local shops.

"As co-leader of the council, I know the huge pressures our services and staff are under right now, and all of us are too well aware of the pressures on the NHS.

"So the message is simple. Please stay away. Don’t make things worse. Stay at home."

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