Glasgow is likely to be under the second highest level of restrictions.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has revealed the restrictions of the new five-tiered approach to lockdown, including which level each area is likely to be placed in. In her announcement to Holyrood, the First Minister said the central belt including Glasgow is expected to be put into the second highest tier, Level Three.
Nicola Sturgeon said that the ambition was to get the whole country to level one or zero, however areas currently under the highest restrictions, like Glasgow, will be in level three when the new system comes into force on Monday next week.
This news comes as it was announced by the Scottish government that there were 1327 new positive cases reported in the last 24 hours and 1100 in hospital with 82 in intensive care.
The First Minister also revealed that pubs and restaurants in many areas of Scotland would be able to serve alcohol indoors again from next week. She said the move would allow licensed premises in Level Two of the country’s new five-tier system to serve alcohol with a meal until 8pm.
The rules for Level Three are broadly similar to the ones which currently apply across the central belt, however there will remain a range of restrictions across different sectors. In areas under Level Three, bars and restaurants will be able to reopen but cannot serve alcohol.
However, there are some exceptions being considered such as the possibility of Highland, Moray, the Western Isles, Shetland and Orkney entering the second lowest level of restrictions, Level One. In contrast, Nicola Sturgeon revealed that the Dundee city area might go into Level 3. Plus, she confirmed that the government is also considering whether to place North and South Lanarkshire into Level 4, given the “very high” rates of transmission and hospital admissions in those areas.
The First Minister said there have been some encouraging signs in the last few days though, so they will only take that decision “if absolutely necessary”. Lanarkshire is the only area being considered for the tightest restriction and she hopes to confirm all these decisions to Parliament on Thursday.
The new rules are expected to come into force from Monday 2 November.
The rules for Level Three are:
Socialising
The rules are no in-home socialising and a maximum of 6 people from 2 households outdoors and in public places like hospitality.
For hospitality the sale of alcohol will be banned. But all premises can open for food and non alcoholic drinks.
Nicola Sturgeon said they can all open, cafes, restaurants and bars until 6pm under the new restrictions.
Takeaways will be permitted for alcohol and food as they are now.
Travel
There should be no non-essential travel into or out of the Level 3 area with exemptions for essential travel for work, education, shopping health etc; outdoor exercise; weddings and funerals; and transit through restricted areas
Transport
People should avoid car sharing with people outside extended household wherever possible
- Avoid non-essential use of public transport.
- Face coverings will be compulsory
Close contact services (e.g. hairdressers, barbers, tailors and beauticians)
- Open, but may be subject to additional protective measures
- Mobile close contact services not permitted
Public buildings – e.g. libraries
- Open
Stadia and events
- Not permitted / closed to spectators
Worship
- Open – restricted numbers (50)
Life events (weddings, and civil partnerships, funerals) ceremonies and receptions/wakes
- Weddings/civil partnerships – 20 person limit
- Funerals – 20 person limit
- Wakes and receptions permitted, subject to 20 person limit
Early learning and childcare (ELC)(formal childcare)
- Open – with enhanced protective measures in place
Informal childcare
- Permitted in line with household/numbers restrictions, children only may enter other households
Schools
- Open – with enhanced protective measures in place
Colleges
- Restricted blended
Universities
- Restricted blended
Driving lessons
- Permitted
Sports and exercise
- Indoor: individual exercise only (exemption for under 18s)
- Outdoor – all except adult (18+) contact sports (professional permitted)
Leisure and entertainment
- Closed
Visitor attractions
- All open or outdoor only open, depending on circumstances
Public services (health following NHS remobilisation plan)
- Essential face-to-face services only (online where possible)
Unregulated children’s activities (incl. youth clubs, children’s groups)
- Differentiated restrictions apply
Support services (mental health, counselling, day services, respite care)
- Permitted/online where possible.
Offices and call centres
- Essential only/working from home
Other workplaces
- Open – working from home default where possible