The First Minister has hit out at those flocking to parks and beaches as she announced the government advice on preventing the spread of coronavirus is "not optional". 

At a press conference held at 2.30pm this afternoon, the First Minister repeated a set of guidelines that members of the public must follow during the UK coronavirus outbreak. 

Her calls came as she announced the number of confirmed cases of coronavirus in Scotland rose to 416 with deaths now in double figures. 

READ MORE: Police Scotland granted powers to shut down open pubs amid COVID-19 outbreak

She said: "Life shouldn’t feel normal just now. So if your life still feels entirely normal, ask yourself if you are doing the right things, or if instead you might be putting yourself and others at unnecessary risk.

"Every time you think about meeting up with or coming into physical contact with others, ask yourself if it is really necessary. And if it is not, please do not do it. 

"Don’t gather for parties at people’s houses or in groups for, I’m sorry to say, wedding receptions and other celebrations. 

"When you do go outside, and of course it’s okay to be outside, don’t crowd together in the park or on the beach because that can be almost as dangerous as going to the pub.

"If you go out in the sunshine follow the social distancing guidance – go on your own or with one or two others in a small family group. Don’t gather together in bigger crowds.

"Beaches should not be busy, parks should not be full."

A total of 8679 tests have been conducted in Scotland, with 8263 returning negative. The number of confirmed cases in Scotland is currently 8263.