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More than 2 million Scots will face lockdown restrictions for three weeks after Nicola Sturgeon imposed the country’s highest level of Covid restrictions on western Scotland.
After a cabinet meeting Tuesday morning, Scotland’s Prime Minister told MSPs that 11 local authority areas would enter Level 4, the highest of Scotland’s five-tier virus control system, starting at 6pm this Friday for a limited period.
The local authorities are West Dunbartonshire, East Dunbartonshire, Renfrewshire, East Renfrewshire, Glasgow City, North Lanarkshire, South Lanarkshire, West Lothian, East Ayrshire, South Ayrshire and Stirling.
Level 0
Entry into force on November 2: light controls on socialization with possible time limits in authorized facilities; a maximum of eight people from three households gathered indoors and 15 people from five households outdoors. Indoor worship, weddings and funerals with a limit of 50 people; Car sharing and the use of mandatory face coverings on public transport should be avoided.
Level 1
As stated above, but only six people from two households can meet indoors in a public setting or outdoors; the number of people at weddings and funerals is limited to 20 and indoor contact sports are not allowed for those over 18 years old; Work in offices restricted to essentials.
Level 2
As above, but no indoor socializing and only six people from two outdoor households; better protection measures for schools; outdoor events are prohibited, stadiums closed to spectators, but drive-ins and cinemas are allowed; prohibition of the sale of alcohol indoors, except that it is served with meals; soft games, pool halls, nightclubs and closed casinos.
Level 3
Do not socialize indoors; six people from two households were allowed to gather in the open air; no non-essential travel; no indoor or outdoor alcohol sales; hotels, B & Bs and campsites restricted to essential premises or workers only; all stadiums and events closed; colleges and universities would have greater restrictions on mixing; outdoor contact sports for amateurs are prohibited; all entertainment venues closed; essential public services only.
Level 4
Like level 3, but hotels and B & Bs closed except for essential workers; You can enforce “stay at home” rules or limit travel distances; only essential trips by public transport; all non-essential stores are closed; hairdressers, beauticians and prohibited driving classes; worship limited to 20 people; only five people are allowed at weddings; closed gyms; all entertainment venues, pubs, restaurants, visitor attractions and closed cinemas; Only essential indoor workplaces, outdoor construction and manufacturing are allowed.
Severin Carrell, Scotland Editor
People living under Level 4 restrictions are advised to minimize all travel.
Sturgeon said police would enforce the new law prohibiting travel to and from Level 3 and 4 areas as a “last resort” and “only where there is a clear and flagrant violation,” but stressed the importance of people not travel from high to low prevalence areas.
She said: “Passing these regulations sends a very clear and strong message to people about the importance of us abiding by these rules.”
Sturgeon said Level 4 was meant to be “short and sharp,” promising that the restrictions would be lifted on December 11, adding that “it is specifically intended to have an impact before Christmas and the most challenging winter period.”
The Level 4 restrictions more closely resemble the lockdown imposed in March, although two households are still allowed to meet outdoors up to a maximum of six people and there is no limit to outdoor exercise.
All non-essential stores will close, along with pubs, restaurants and cafes, as well as gyms and leisure centers, hair salons, barbers, estheticians and indoor visitor attractions.
Schools and nurseries will remain open.
Coronavirus cases in the UK
Sturgeon told the chamber that although infection rates have stabilized or dropped slightly as a result of the Level 3 measures in the west of Scotland, the infection rate “remains stubborn and worryingly high.”
“At these levels, we just don’t have the assurance we need that the hospital and ICU services can cope with as we move into winter,” he said.
“And furthermore, at these levels, we would not have the flexibility we need to ease restrictions over Christmas, which, like the other nations in the UK, we desperately want.”
Sturgeon told MSPs that the total death toll from coronavirus in Scotland this week was likely to exceed 5,000, which he described as “a grim and deeply distressing milestone.”
