Nicola Sturgeon said she will continue to take a “cautious approach” to Covid restrictions.

The First Minister was accused by Scottish Conservative leader, Douglas Ross, of being “gung-ho” with imposing measures before Christmas.

He said they were “unnecessary” and caused damaged to business and people’s mental health.

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Ross said: “The First Minister imposed restrictions that had a massive impact on jobs and business and health.

“We can now see they were not needed. The First Minister has tried to build a reputation for caution but she went gung-ho in imposing new restrictions.”

He added: “We’ve been living with the pandemic for two years. Not only did the First Minister impose unnecessary restrictions she wanted to go further.

“She wanted to close down the Scottish economy no matter the impact on jobs.

Glasgow Times:

And he claimed compensation has still not been delivered and asked if the Scottish Government was the “worst offender of late payments in Scotland”.

The First Minister said she believed she put in place “balanced measures over Christmas”

She added: “Coupled with public behaviour and boosters, we are in a better position. But not in a position that allows any complacency, that’s why doctors nurses and trade unions expressed concerns with the Prime Minister’s statement.”

She added: “I’m going to continue taking a cautious approach, the price of throwing caution to the wind is ill health and death and it’s not a price I should impose on the people of Scotland.”

Earlier this week, the first Minister announced the remainder of the temporary restrictions put in place on December 26 last year, were to be removed.

However not all restrictions are to be removed. The vaccine passport scheme remains in place for large outdoor events, like football matches, and face coverings are still required in shops, on public transport and in certain hospitality settings.