Stricter COVID Restrictions For Scotland Including Ban On Household Visits

Alice Lorenzato-Lloyd - Staff Writer • September 23, 2020

The First Minister has announced tighter restrictions, urging to comply from today.

Stricter COVID restrictions have been implemented across all of Scotland, with First Minister Nicola Sturgeon broadcasting a public announcement addressing the new rules.

Confirming the new 10pm hospitality curfew, Sturgeon announced that all pubs and restaurants would be required to close their doors at 10pm daily from this Friday, and by law would be required to operate on table service only (except for takeaways). Patrons will also be required to wear face masks at all times, except for when seated at their table.

The First Minister also went on to announce that indoor visits between households across all of Scotland are now banned until further notice. Sturgeon has urged people in Scotland to comply from today, with enforcement being introduced on Friday 25 September.

Sturgeon also raised the possibility of a two-week “circuit breaker” with further restrictions for Scotland in October, although she said no decision had been made. Plus, she has urged people not to book foreign trips during the October holiday.

Here’s the full list of new restrictions announced:

Inside people’s homes (from Wednesday 23 September)

Do not meet people from any other households in your home or another person’s home socially, unless they are in your extended household.
These rules also apply to children.
Children whose parents do not live in the same household can move between homes, as can non-cohabiting couples.
Very limited exemptions apply for childcare, and for tradespeople.

Private gardens or public outdoors spaces (from Wednesday 23 September)

A maximum of six people from two households can meet in outdoor spaces.
You should limit as far as possible the total number of households you meet in a day.
Under-12s do not count towards the maximum number of households or number of people who can meet outdoors. Under-12s do not have to physically distance.
A maximum of six 12 to 17 year olds can meet in outdoor spaces, with no household limit. Physical distancing is still required.

Indoors in public spaces (from Wednesday September 23 September)

A maximum of six people from two households can meet in public indoor spaces such as cafes, pubs and restaurants.
Children under 12 from those two households do not count towards the limits.
In shops, customers and retail staff must wear a face mask (unless exempt).

Hospitality (from 00:01 Friday 25 September)

Pubs, restaurants and all hospitality settings will be required to close at 10pm.
Table service will continue to be required in all hospitality premises.
Staff must wear a face covering and customers when moving around and not eating or drinking.

Car sharing

You should only car share with members of your own, or extended, household, and follow guidance when there is no alternative.

Working

You must continue to work from home where practicable.