The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Dundee facing ban on travel and alcohol sales, FM reveals
Dundee is facing a ban on travel and alcohol sales under new provisional coronavirus alert levels announced by Nicola Sturgeon.
The first minister revealed the city could face some of the toughest measures in the country as ministers consider placing it into level three, which would see alcohol sales and non- essential travel to areas with lower restrictions banned.
Six people from two households would still be allowed to meet outdoors, hospitality venues would be allowed to operate until 6pm and accommodation and shopping venues would remain open.
Ms Sturgeon warned earlier this week that the city was being looked at closely amid growing concern about the rising number of cases in the area.
The Sco t t ish Government’s new five-tier system will run from level zero, which is as close to normal as it is possible to get without better treatment or a vaccine, to level four, which is closer to a full lockdown.
A final decision on levels will not be announced until tomorrow but the SNP leader said many local authorities in Scotland are expected be set at level two – broadly comparable to the current restrictions in place outside the central belt – from November 2.
The Moray, Highland, Orkney, Shetland and Western Isles council areas are expected to be set at level one.
The first minister confirmed new advice from public health officials means prohibition on meeting other households indoors will remain in place under all levels “for a period, as an extra precaution”.
Ms Sturgeon said ministers are considering placing North and South Lanarkshire in level four, the toughest tier of lockdown, while the rest of the central belt would likely be placed at level three – similar to existing restrictions.
Speaking during a debate at the Scottish Parliament yesterday, as the country recorded 1,327 new infections and 25 new deaths from coronavirus, she said the benefit of restrictions on household interactions was already being seen.
“The number of new cases is growing more slowly than at the start of the month and we have not seen the nine-day doubling of cases that was predicted earlier this month,” Ms Sturgeon said.
“It is important to bear that in mind as I run through some of the detail of the new levels because it is by reducing our interactions with people – in other households, and in environments with higher risks of transmission – that we will continue to make progress.”
The Scottish Government published an updated draft of guidance yesterday on what restrictions will be in place under each tier.
In level four, both indoor and outdoor hospitality will close – including cafés, restaurants, pubs and bars. However, takeaways for food and alcohol will be permitted.
The guidance also recommends against nonessential travel in or out of level four areas and says there could be “limits on travel distance or a requirement to stay at home”.
There have also been changes to hospitality restrictions, with premises now allowed to sell alcohol indoors with a main meal until 8pm at level two.
Under the new hospitality rules – which come into effect on Monday – the definition of cafés will be removed so all hospitality businesses in level three areas will be able to operate until 6pm, without the sale of alcohol.
The first minister told Holyrood that ministers plan to establish an expert group to examine reintroducing low- level music to venues.
Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson said her party would vote to support the government’s plans “because the issue is too important to become a political dust-up” but called for measures to protect jobs and a four- nation Christmas loneliness plan.
Ms Sturgeon had earlier in the debate vowed to take on board opposition proposals and “consider them fully”, including the Scottish Conser vatives’ suggestion of setting up a
new coronavirus business council to help protect jobs.
Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard demanded compensation be paid to any businesses or workers affected by the new restrictions.
MSPs voted in favour of the government’s motion, with amendments from the Scottish Greens and Scottish Liberal Democrats, but rejected alterations put forward by Scottish Labour and the Tories.