Restaurants, hairdressers and non-essential shops will be able to reopen.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced today that Glasgow and Renfrewshire will be moving from Level Four restrictions down to Level Three as the areas have seen a fall in the number of coronavirus cases.
Speaking to the Scottish Parliament, the First Minister announced the change to the restrictions, which will see 11 local authorities moved into the second highest level of Scotland’s five-tier system. In Glasgow, 281 new Covid cases for 100,000 people were recorded on November 13, but by December 4, this had fallen to 150.
Other areas which will join the city of Glasgow and Renfrewshire in Level Three include East Renfrewshire, East Dunbartonshire, West Dunbartonshire, North Lanarkshire, South Lanarkshire, East Ayrshire, South Ayrshire, Stirling and West Lothian. Plus, Inverclyde, Falkirk and Angus will move down from Level Three to Level Two from Friday too. You can find out which level each Scottish area will be in here.
The restrictions are set to be imposed from this Friday 11 December and are expected to be reviewed in the next weeks. The Level Three restrictions will mean that non-essential shops, hairdressers and restaurants are able to re-open in Glasgow and 10 other local authorities from this date. Retail premises which have been closed under the Level Four restrictions, will be permitted to re-open from 6am on Friday to help stores and shopping centres manage the flow of customers, but other restrictions will be lifted at 6pm.
In addition, travel restrictions will remain in place for Level Three local authorities, meaning anyone living in a Level Three area such as Glasgow is not permitted to travel out of that area. Also, anyone living outside Glasgow City is not permitted to travel into the city to do their Christmas shopping when the shops reopen on Friday.
The First Minister said: “I think today we should all allow ourselves a smile. This is a good day and a good moment.” However, she warned against the public dropping their guard at this stage.
Nicola Sturgeon said: “All of this puts us in a much better position to cope with the inevitable difficulties of winter. And I want to thank everyone across the country. However it does not remove the need for a cautious approach. The risks and challenges of the next few months are clear.
“That is why, in reaching decisions today, we have had to consider the potential overall impact of moving to a lower level of restrictions at the same time as the Christmas period begins in earnest. That has led us to a proportionate but still cautious set of conclusions.”
The First Minister also announced that the first of three new NHS Scotland regional hubs for processing tests is due to become operational on Saturday at Gartnavel in Glasgow. There will also be 22 walk-in testing centres open across Scotland from next week.
What are the rules for Level 3?
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
The rules are subject to change, dependant on the number of cases, and will remain under constant review by officials. For more information, you can see the government’s official guidance here.