Current Covid rules to continue

Current coronavirus lockdown measures will stay in place across mainland Scotland and some island communities until at least the middle of February, the First Minister confirmed earlier this week.

In addition, Nicola Sturgeon told parliament on Tuesday that schools across Scotland will continue to use remote learning until at least the middle of next month – except in the cases of vulnerable children and those of key workers.

Ms Sturgeon said that, although the most recent Covid-19 measures appear to be having an impact on case numbers, transmission of the virus remains too high to relax restrictions at the present time.

The decision means nobody who lives in an area under lockdown should leave or remain outside their home except for an essential purpose like caring responsibilities, outdoor exercise and work that cannot be done from home.

These measures will be kept under consideration and parliament will be updated following a review by the Scottish Government’s cabinet on February 2.

Previously, the restrictions had been put in place until the end of January.

Ms Sturgeon said: “Any relaxation of lockdown while case numbers remain high, even though they might be declining, could quickly send the situation into reverse.

“We believe that the lockdown restrictions – and the sacrifices everyone continues to make – are beginning to have an impact. However, it is important to be cautious.

“I continue to be very grateful to people across the country for their patience and resilience in the face of this extraordinary challenge.

“At the moment, lockdown is the best way of keeping each other safe, as vaccination continues.

“It is how we can protect ourselves and our loved ones.”