Threat of a second Scots lockdown moves closer

THE threat of a second lockdown that would affect two million Scots loomed large last night as Covid cases continued to soar.

Scottish Government figures show the number in Greater Glasgow and Clyde has risen by 400 to 27,724, while in Lanarkshire it is up 218 to 16,358.

Across the country, a further 1,118 cases were recorded, with 36 more deaths – taking the death toll to 3,280.

A total of 1,198 people were in hospital with Covid, including 92 in intensive care.

Last week, Ministers warned they may have to impose tougher restrictions across the Central Belt – with all nonessential shops, restaurants, bars and cafes forced to shut.

Deputy First Minister John Swinney said on Friday: ‘We are seeing still a very strong prevalence of the virus.

‘We are seeing some examples of improvement but a number of areas remain with very high levels of the virus and the

Level 3 restrictions are not significantly reducing the prevalence of the virus. So there is active consideration

‘Seeing very strong prevalence of virus’

under way to the appropriate levels. That may include consideration of areas going up to Level 4.’

Glasgow, Lanarkshire and Stirling are now in Level 3 but risk being moved up. Aberdeen is also at risk of facing stricter rules, moving from Level 2 to 3.

Mr Swinney added: ‘The Government wants to avoid that if we possibly can but... we are not seeing levels of the virus coming down as sharply and as swiftly as we need to see them coming down.’

Business leaders have warned a move to Level 4 – the highest in the Scottish Government’s five-tier system – could deal a hammer blow to the already battered hospitality and retail sectors in the runup to Christmas.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, pictured, is set to announce any changes to the current Covid levels on Tuesday.