THE First Minister has warned the public that coronavirus advice should be treated as rules and "shouldn't be seen as optional".

The warning comes as the number of deaths in Scotland from Covid-19 has risen to 10.

Nicola Sturgeon said guidance on social distancing will help to stop the spread of the virus and help to reduce pressure on the NHS.

Speaking to Good Morning Scotland earlier, Sturgeon said: "I want to be very clear to people, the advice that is being given to people is not to be seen as optional.

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"Consider it a set of rules that is to be followed, because it is about helping us do these key, critical things, slow down the spread, reduce the peak impact of this, which is so important in making sure that our National Health Service doesn't become overwhelmed and ultimately it will save lives and it will save, potentially, a lot of lives."

Sturgeon also warned people flouting the measures, following reports of high numbers of people in parks and beaches across the country this weekend, that an overwhelmed health service would lead to people dying "needlessly and avoidably".

She explained: "That is what we're trying to prevent".

Yesterday the Scottish Government confirmed 416 cases had been identified in Scotland, but Sturgeon said this figure is vasty different from the true number of cases.

She also reiterated warnings to young people, claiming there could be a "sense of invincibility". She said: "You can't guarantee that you won't get this virus, you can't guarantee you won't get seriously ill if you get it."

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She continued: "Even if that was true, you will be at risk of passing it on to others, particularly the most vulnerable."

Meanwhile, the First Minister urged the UK Government and EU to set aside Brexit talks for an indefinite period to focus on tackling the outbreak.

She said: "The negotiations around the new relationship haven't yet really got off the ground and certainly haven't got anywhere near concluding.

"I think all of that should be suspended and put to one side - I can't say for how long, for as long as necessary."

She added: "I'm a politician, I've argued for independence all my life, but right now I'm a First Minister for every person in Scotland, trying to steer us through the biggest crisis of our lifetimes.

"That's the only thing that matters to me right now. It's all I'm focused on and I think that should be the case of every leader."