SCOTTISH Borders Council has issued a statement after it was announced that the coronavirus lockdown will be extended. Current lockdown restrictions had been due to be removed at the end of January for the Borders, as well as the rest of mainland Scotland. However, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon today (January 19) announced that the lockdown – which has seen non-essential shops close, and home-working the 'default' position – will be extended until “at least the middle of February”. Regarding the extension, council leader Shona Haslam said: "It is clear that COVID-19 is still too prevalent in our communities so we need to stick with the lockdown restrictions for a bit longer.