ON TWITTER

# COVID

A new five- tier framework of restrictions will come into force in Scotland from Monday, 2 November. The top level would be close to a full lockdown, but the aim is for schools to remain open at all levels.

@ unmasks said: “People need to stop getting caught up in the numbering and focus on doing their bit to help keep the virus at a manageable level and protect their loved ones.”

@ bluewoof asked: “So does this mean that, for example, in the remote Highlands, which would almost certainly be level 0, we can now carry on as normal, reopen hospitality, mix in local homes etc.”

@ mikeystrac posted:

“She hasn't set out what the criteria are for moving between tiers. If the islands at least aren't in tier 0 next week it's a complete farce.” @ jezobrien commented: “It’s easy to figure out what tier you are in. The answer will be revealed to you if you pick a number from 1- 6, throw a dice and take away the number you first thought of and add 3, then add back the number you first thought of, repeat until desired number is achieved.”

@ sprk_ 46 was sceptical:

“So no normality without a vaccine. How predictable. What we going to do if that doesn't come any time soon plus like the flu vaccine will probably only be 40 per cent effective. People still die from the flu. We can't just live the rest of our lives hiding.” @ Oliviag37717638 said:

” So she finds it depressing? What about the families who have bills to pay, children to feed, and people suffering from mental health issues who can’t see their family and maybe don’t have jobs to support them.”

@ scriptmonkey posted: “This allows you to place more granularity on lockdown measures, keep hospitality open longer, introduce different control measures that means jobs aren't lost.”

@ martinthearab remarked: “So the very best we can hope for at Christmas ( if we are level 0) is a maximum of eight people from three households.”

@ Rossduguid commented: “Forget about being able to live a normal life. There is no chance of going for a pint soon or going to a football match.”

@ fatchef71 added: “How about a bit of positivity from the government? Perhaps an update on a vaccine, clinical trials? People need a little bit of hope.”