Parts of Scotland have been placed into level-four lockdown as cases of coronavirus continue to rise.
Tough restrictions will come into force from Friday in 11 council areas including Glasgow, Lanarkshire and West Lothian after the First Minister said the areas had “stable but still stubbornly high prevalence of the virus”.
Nicola Sturgeon said the move is necessary to ease the pressure on hospitals over the winter and could allow a “limited” lifting of restrictions over Christmas.
However, it means many businesses in these areas will have to close.
The coronavirus alert system came into effect on November 2 and comprises of five levels ranging from level zero to level four. Level zero represents the closest to normal the country can get without effective treatment or a vaccine, whereas level four is closer to the full lockdown restrictions seen at the beginning of the pandemic.
The council areas going into level four are: City of Glasgow, Renfrewshire, East Renfrewshire, East Dunbartonshire, West Dunbartonshire, North Lanarkshire, South Lanarkshire, East Ayrshire, South Ayrshire, Stirling and West Lothian.
Here’s a closer look at what Scots can expect from a level-four lockdown:
Socialising – People cannot socialise indoors. Six people from two households can meet outdoors.
Hospitality – Pubs, restaurants and cafes must close. Takeaways can operate as normal.
Accommodation – Hotels, B&Bs and self-catering accommodation not open for tourists. Work-related essential use only.
Travel – No non-essential travel into or out of the level four area. If necessary, limits on travel distance, or a requirement to stay at home.
Transport – Avoid car sharing with people outside extended household wherever possible. No use of public transport, except for essential purposes. Face coverings compulsory.
Retail and close contact services – Non-essential shops and close contact services – such as hairdressers, barbers, tailors and beauticians – must close. Mobile close contact services not permitted.
Public buildings – Buildings such as libraries and museums are closed.
Stadia and events – No indoor or outdoor events permitted. Stadiums closed to spectators.
Sport and exercise – Indoor sports facilities including gyms are closed. Outdoor gyms can remain open. Outdoor non-contact sports are permitted for all age groups.
Weddings, civil partnerships and funerals – A maximum of 20 people allowed at weddings and civil partnerships, however receptions are not allowed. Funerals and wakes also subject to 20-person limit.
Places of worship – Open but restricted to 20 people.
Leisure and Entertainment – All venues closed.
Workplaces – Only essential indoor workplaces can open along with outdoor workplaces in sectors such as construction and engineering.
Schools – Open with standard protective measures in place.
