Sturgeon’s short, sharp shock to save festivities
ELEVEN council areas will be placed in Scotland’s highest tier of restrictions later this week.
Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon told the Scottish Parliament yesterday that “stubbornly and worryingly high” infection rates mean these areas must shut down further.
The Level 4 measures, similar to a full lockdown, will apply from 6pm on Friday in Glasgow, Renfrewshire, East Renfrewshire, East Dunbartonshire, West Dunbartonshire, North Lanarkshire, South Lanarkshire, East Ayrshire, South Ayrshire, Stirling and West Lothian. Under Level 4 rules non- essential shops will shut – with bars, restaurants, gyms, hairdressers and visitor attractions also prohibited from opening. Children will continue to attend school.
Non- essential travel in or out of the areas is barred, which will also apply to areas under Level 3.
Ms Sturgeon said East Lothian and Midlothian will move from Level 3 to Level 2 after a “marked decline” in the prevalence of the virus.
The remaining 19 council areas will not change level but from Thursday people in Level 1 areas will be able to meet outdoors with up to eight people from a maximum of three households.
The First Minister told MSPs: “I know people are frustrated that other restrictions have remained in place longer than planned but Level 4 is intended to be short and sharp.
“It is specifically intended to have an impact in advance of Christmas and the most challenging winter period.”