Tier levels : what they will mean for you...

A new five- level system of local Covid restrictions came into force on Monday.

Under the new system, Ayrshire and Arran is currently at Level 3 restrictions.

Areas can be moved to different tiers in the future depending on whether it is felt the situation is improving or getting worse, with weekly reviews being carried out.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon warned that cases are still rising, and she could not rule out a move back to nationwide restrictions in the coming weeks, including at level four.

We’ve listed the tier levels and their corresponding restrictions below;

● Level 0- Nearly normal; Indoor meetings allowedmaximum eight people from three households.

Fifteen people from five households can meet outdoors.

● Level 1- Medium; Restrictions on indoor meetings between households continue.

In time, level 1 will allow people to meet in each other’s homes, in groups of up to 6 people, from a maximum of 2 households.

Hospitality has a 10.30pm curfew. Weddings and life events would be restricted to a maximum of 20 people.

Indoor contact sports for adults are not permitted.

● Level 2- High; No indoor meeting with other households.

Six people from two households can meet outdoors and in hospitality settings.

Pubs, bars and restaurants permitted to sell alcohol indoors only with a main meal- and only until 8pm.

Most leisure and entertainment premises are closed except gyms, cinemas, bingo halls and amusement arcades.

Level 3- Very High; Alcohol sales not permitted indoors or outdoors.

Cafes, pubs and restaurants are allowed to open until 6pm to serve food and non- alcoholic drinks.

All leisure and entertainment venues are closed at this level, including cinemas.

Indoor exercise, which includes gyms, will be restricted to individual and not group exercise.

No non- essential travel is allowed out of a Level 3 area.

Level 4- Closer to a full lockdown of the type the UK went into at the end of March, with non- essential shops, hospitality and gyms all being forced to close.

Some outdoor meeting still allowed. Schools will stay open.