Mr Livingstone says he hopes that many officers will be issued with "bespoke" protective equipment this week.

But he says there is clearly huge demand for the equipment in the public sector, particularly for health workers.

Image source, Getty Images

The chief constable says more guidance will be issued on what is essential work but adds:

"I would say to all employers: is what you're doing absolutely vital to maintain the safety and sanctity of the country? If it isn't, don't do it. Stay at home."

Mr Livingstone says he hopes people will not be required to carry paperwork to prove that they need to be out of their home.

"It's very contrary to our history of policing by consent of policing with the public, of poliocing for the public and we're not at that stage yet," he says.

But he tells BBC Scotland that the UK and Scottish governments may consider "additional measures" if members of the public do not comply.

He says the police will support any measures "as long as it takes" to get the country through this "enormous challenge".

Mr Livingstone says officers' focus will be on premises that should be closed and public gatherings.

They will be asking why premises are open and encouraging them to close.

He adds: "If people are gathering in public spaces in defiance of the instructions we can go and engage with them and suggest they go home, stay home and follow the government and health advice."

The chief constable says he expects new powers to be in place until the end of the week, but until then they will be relying on the consent and compliance of the public.

But he says the police will not hesitate to use the new powers when they are in place if people continue to defy the "very clear advice".

Image source, PA Media

Police Scotland's chief constable Iain Livingstone says there are increased absences at the moment, but he tells BBC Radio's Good Morning Scotland that the force is still in a position to offer policing across the whole country.

"We at the Police Service of Scotland are absolutely founded upon and focused upon public service and we will step up to support the extraordinary work getting done by colleagues in the helath service," he says.

"We're clearly going to play a crucial part in encouraging the whole of the country to make sure that the need for social distancing is complied with."

The general secretary of the STUC, Rozanne Foyer, says reports that people are still heading to work are "extremely concerning"

She says she welcomes the "bold steps" taken by the government but tells BBC Scotland that employers needed to do the "right thing" and not be allowed to put "profits before people".

She also called for self-employed workers to be given more support.

Image source, Getty Images

Pete Cheema, chief executive of the Scottish Grocers Federation, says small independent shops can play a vital role in food supply during the coronavirus lockdown, especially in rural areas.

Mr Cheema told BBC Scotland that convenience stores could often get items quicker because of a simpler supply chain. He said many were "holding up a lot better" than the bigger supermarkets.

Image source, Getty Images

There are currently 499 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Scotland, although the actual number of cases is likely to be in the tens of thousands.

There have so far been 14 deaths here.

See the graphs here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-52009463

Image source, Getty Images

Sports Direct has said it will keep its stores open, despite new curbs aimed at limiting the spread of the coronavirus.

Under the new measures, all UK shops selling non-essential goods have been ordered to close immediately.

Among those staying open are petrol stations, supermarkets and pharmacies.

But Sports Direct said it would remain open "where possible" as it was "uniquely well placed to help keep the UK as fit and healthy as possible".

Arguing that it provided an essential service, bosses at the company said the sports equipment it sells can be used to exercise at home at a time when gyms have been closed.

The Scottish government is demanding more support for self-employed workers impacted by the coronavirus outbreak.

There are around a third of a million self-employed workers in Scotland and the UK government says it’s considering further steps

Employees have already been promised that they’ll be paid up to 80% of their salaries. But the self employed can only access £94 pounds a week in universal credit - and defer their self-assessed tax payments until next year.

The Economy Secretary Fiona Hyslop, and Finance Secretary Kate Forbes, have written to the UK chancellor calling for more to be done for the self-employed.

They’ve also appealed for a change in the rules to enable more people to access statutory sick pay.

The UK government says it is actively considering further steps and officials are working around the clock to find a well-targeted support package.

The former first minister being acquitted of sexual assault charges and the Covid-19 "lockdown" dominate Scotland's front pages.

See more here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-52015562

Gary Christie, from the Scottish Refugee Council, says refugees are at particular risk during the coronavirus crisis.

He told BBC Radio's Good Morning Scotland programme that many are homeless, making it impossible to self-isolate, and do not have access to public funds and services.

Mr Christie said he had called on the Home Office to amend this during the outbreak so refugees can use temporary accommodation

All shops selling non essential goods and services have been told they must close.

Those allowed to stay open are supermarkets, newsagents and pharmacies, as well as banks and post offices.

Clothing and electronic stores are among those being told to close, along with hair salons.

The measures will be in effect for at least three weeks,

The new measures will see the closure of non-essential shops, libraries, playgrounds and outdoor gyms, and places of worship.

From now on, people must stay at home except for:

• Essential shopping - for food or medicines and only once a day
• Exercise - only once a day and alone, or with someone from your household
• Medical reasons or for the care of vulnerable people
• Travel to and from essential work - all employers should be making provision to work from home

FIrst Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the new measures amounted to a "lockdown" but said they were necessary to slow the spread of Covid-19, ease pressure on the NHS and save lives.

In a public address at St Andrew's House in Edinburgh, she said people should stay at home.

It came on the day the death toll from the virus rose to 335 in the UK.

Scotland has had 14 deaths and 499 confirmed cases.

The UK is waking up to strict new measures to tackle the spread of coronavirus, including a ban on public gatherings of more than two people.

We'll have coverage throughout the day on developments regarding the outbreak in Scotland.