Prof Devi Sridhar revealed the face mask, which was used, had the words 'I am done' in black ink.
newspaper that something about being sent items in the post felt different to previous abusive incidents.
She said: "I was extremely shaken and it was probably the hardest part because it was in my real life, not virtual or online. "I have thought often about withdrawing but it feels like, for better or worse, my job now also has a public dimension. Hopefully it's helpful to have scientists out there explaining things for most people."Ms Sturgeon said Prof Sridhar had been a "hugely important and valuable" adviser to the government and given very straight and "at times uncomfortable" advice.
Speaking to the PA news agency, she said: "Devi is an example of a high-profile, vocal woman who gets horrendous abuse through social media - she's not alone in that but I know she has received that. "She has been a real voice of reason and good sense throughout this pandemic, but like many women who put their heads above the parapet they face the most horrendous abuse and it's got to stop.More on this story