New five-tier system explained

Here is what each level could mean for your area:

Level 0 – This is the closest to normality the Scottish Government thinks is possible without a vaccine or better Covid19 treatment.

In effect, this is the level health officials will look to achieve with behavioural impacts, such as social distancing and restrictions on daily freedoms, until an effective scientific intervention is ready to be rolled out across the country.

The first minister said it was “broadly comparable” to the position in August, when transmission had been reduced but the virus still remained a threat.

Level 1 – This level is regarded as being similar to England’s medium-tier restrictions and is broadly comparable with the situation in September.

The rule of six would come back into force, limiting meetings to a maximum of two households, but there would be a “reasonable” degree of normality.

Levels 2 and 3 – The restrictions in place across levels two and three were described as being broadly similar to those in effect now, with level three being closer to the situation in the central belt.

There would be limitations on hospitality and no gatherings whatsoever in people’s homes.

Most of the hospitality sector will be closed at this level but the first minister said she would expect some restaurants to remain open under strict conditions.

Level 4 – Ms Sturgeon said the highest level of restrictions would not be used “unless absolutely necessary”.

It has been compared to a national lockdown but it is not as far-reaching – the first minister said the country would not need to go back to the same level of lockdown imposed in March under the framework.

Level four would only come into effect if cases were very high and there was a risk of the NHS being overwhelmed.