The Scottish Government has banned tourists and all leisure travellers from island ferries.
Transport secretary Michael Matheson instructed only essential travel for islands and freight should be transported.
Islanders fear visitors may bring the Covid-
The ban applies across the Cal Mac west coast network. Shetland and Orkney routes are also included.
Cal Mac has no powers to impose blanket travel restrictions. That responsibility lies with the Scottish Government
Michael Matheson said: “We have advised our ferry companies to no longer take non-
“Those who do not normally live on the islands and have travelled there in the last few days will be able to leave to reduce pressure.
“From now on ferries will be for those who live on our islands, who have an essential need to travel to or from the mainland and for essential supplies or business. Nothing else.”
People escaping cities to avoid the coronavirus have been heading to the Hebrides and other island areas.
People with second homes and campervans have been travelling to the area.
Tourism minister Fergus Ewing slammed the “reckless and irresponsible behaviour” which was “endangering lives.”
He added: “Panic buying will have a devastating impact on the livelihoods of rural shops and potentially puts unwanted pressure on NHS services in our rural communities.”
Coronavirus: Immediate ban on non-
22 March 2020
