‘Rule of six’ now in law
People in the Strath and beyond must not meet in groups any larger than six from two households to prevent any further spread of coronavirus.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon also announced on Thursday last week that sports stadia, theatres, live music venues, indoor contact sports facilities and soft play areas – which were set to reopen on Monday this week – will need to stay shut for at least another three weeks because of a rise in cases.
In addition the SNP MSP announced people working in pubs, restaurants and cafes will be required to wear masks when facing customers as of September 14 – as will patrons when not sitting down to either eat or drink.
Ms Sturgeon told Holyrood:“I can confirm that it is the Scottish Government’s judgement that we cannot at this stage risk the new opportunities for transmission of Covid that reopening further services and facilities would entail.
“The new indicative date for their resumption is Monday, October 5.
“However I must stress ... that this remains an indicative date. A final decision can only be taken much nearer the time.”
She continued:“I’m well aware that for people affected by today’s pause, this is a very hard message to hear.
“I know how long you have waited to start up again or to resume more of your activities ... and I know the impact of continued closure.
“I want to stress that this decision to delay the indicative date by three weeks has not been taken lightly, but right now, given the rise in cases, it is the only responsible decision we can reach.”
The First Minister went on to say that people working from home will remain“the default position”until the end of this month but added that the government was working with the Scottish Chambers of Commerce and the Scottish Trades Union Congress to plan“for a safe, phased re-opening”of workplaces when circumstances allow.
Ms Sturgeon said the only exceptions to the new so-called‘rule of six’would be weddings, funerals and civil partnerships.
People were also encouraged to download the new‘Protect Scotland’ mobile phone app.