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Nicola Sturgeon has confirmed that ministers are considering putting North and South Lanarkshire at the toughest level of lockdown next week.
The Prime Minister today revealed general restrictions for council areas across the country when a new framework takes effect on November 2, if the MSPs back the plans in a vote tonight.
The SNP leader said the rest of the central belt was “likely” to be placed at level three, similar to the existing level of restrictions, while some rural parts of Scotland could be placed at level one.
But health ministers and experts are poised to place Lanarkshire at level four, which would see a return to the tax-like lockdown in March, with the order to close non-essential stores.
Dundee could be placed at level three while Fife remains at level two.
The Prime Minister added that local authority areas, including the Highlands, Shetland, Orkney, Western Isles and Moray, were expected to enter level one.
Hospitality businesses were also offered some hope, with the new framework offering extended opening hours at certain levels.
Under the new system, pubs and restaurants can sell alcohol indoors with a main meal until 8pm on level two; Currently, licensed venues outside the central belt cannot serve alcohol indoors and must close indoors at 6pm
At level three, equivalent to the current restrictions in the central belt, the definition of cafes will be eliminated, allowing all hospitality establishments to operate during the day until 6 pm without the sale of alcohol.
Speaking in the Scottish Parliament, Sturgeon said: “I must emphasize that the final decisions have not yet been made, but I want to give Parliament a broad indication today of what that means.
“The areas of the central belt that are currently under the most severe restrictions are likely to be at level three initially. And most of the rest of the country is likely to start at level two.
“However, some exceptions are being considered. First, Highlands, Orkney, Shetland, Western Isles and Moray are expected to move to level one.
“In a less positive way, we believe the growing situation in Dundee City makes it possible for me to move to level three.
“And, as reported, we are considering whether the very high rate of transmission and hospital admissions in North and South Lanarkshire may require a move for them to level four. These are the only areas currently being considered for level four. four.
“However, there have been some encouraging signs in recent days that the situation in Lanarkshire may have stabilized slightly.
“So we will only make this decision if it is considered absolutely necessary and I hope we can avoid it.”
She continued, “Our goal is to get to level 1, and then to level 0 of the frame. We know this is possible because during the summer, we hit the very low transmission levels that would be necessary for that.”
“If we can do it once, we can do it again. But it will not be easy. Government action will be taken to support the broader efforts.”
“That’s why our strategic approach doesn’t just lay out the details of the restrictions. It also explains how we will expand testing and the steps we will take to better help people comply with the rules.”
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