A five-tier system intended to curb the spread of coronavirus is now in effect in Scotland.
The scale – which kicked in at 6am – ranges from level zero, the minimum number of restrictions, to four, the closest to a full lockdown.
Each local authority has already been allocated a level, however none have been placed in either the lowest or highest tier – the latter would have forced pubs, restaurants and non-essential shops to close.
The majority of councils have been placed at level three, where pubs, restaurants and cafes can open but cannot sell alcohol and have a curfew of 6pm.
The move has drawn criticism from those in hospitality and business, who have warned of the potential for mass job losses.
There are also restrictions on hospitality opening hours in level two and alcohol can only be sold with a main meal indoors.
Ahead of the change, the First Minister said the approach allows the Scottish Government “to respond quickly and flexibly as required”, particularly in areas where there are concerns over the rate of the virus’ spread.
Nicola Sturgeon said: “It is important we all comply with the rules in our area if we are to successfully suppress the virus, avoid the need for tighter restrictions, and protect the NHS.”
She described it as “crucial” that everyone is aware of what level their local authority is in and to stick to the rules in their area.
A postcode checker has been launched so people can confirm the level at which their area has been placed.
Sturgeon added: “No one wants to see tighter restrictions but people can be reassured that, if we need to put in place the protections that come with higher levels, we will not hesitate to do so.
“I also urge everyone to follow two key national restrictions by not mixing with other households inside our homes, and not travelling to or from any part of the country in level three unless it is absolutely essential.”
The Scottish Government framework can be viewed here and at a glance below:
STV NewsLEVEL ZERO:
No local authority area in Scotland has been placed in level zero.
Socialising – Eight people from three households can meet indoors. Fifteen people from five households can meet outdoors.
Hospitality – Pubs, restaurants and cafes are open and can sell alcohol indoors and outdoors. Normal licensing times apply.
Accommodation – Hotels, B&Bs and self-catering accommodation such as caravans and campsites are permitted to open.
Travel – No non-essential travel to/from areas of Scotland that are in level three or higher. International quarantine regulations apply.
Transport – Avoid car sharing with people outside extended household wherever possible. Face masks on public transport.
Retail and close contact services – Shops and close contact services – such as hairdressers, barbers, tailors and beauticians – are open.
Public buildings – Buildings such as libraries and museums are open.
Stadia and events – Outdoor events are permitted and spectators allowed in football stadiums with restricted numbers. Indoor events can go ahead with restricted numbers.
Weddings, civil partnerships and funerals – All allowed but with a 50 person limit.
Places of worship – Open but restricted to 50 people.
Leisure and Entertainment – Open with the exception of adult entertainment and nightclubs.
Workplaces – Open but working from home is the default option.
Schools – Open with standard protective measures in place.
STV NewsLEVEL ONE:
Highland, Moray, Na h-Eileanan Siar (Western Isles), Orkney and Shetland.
Socialising – People cannot socialise indoors with another household for now. Level 1 will in time allow for six people from two households to meet indoors and outdoors. You can meet another household indoors in a public place such as a cafe or restaurant.
Hospitality – Pubs, restaurants and cafes are open and can sell alcohol indoors and outdoors. Curfew of 10.30pm, last entry at 9.30pm.
Accommodation – Hotels, B&Bs and self-catering accommodation such as caravans and campsites are permitted to open.
Travel – No non-essential travel to/from areas of Scotland that are in level three or higher. International quarantine regulations apply.
Transport – Avoid car sharing with people outside extended household wherever possible. Face masks on public transport.
Retail and close contact services – Shops and close contact services – such as hairdressers, barbers, tailors and beauticians – are open.
Public buildings – Buildings such as libraries and museums are open.
Stadia and events – Outdoor events are permitted and spectators allowed in football stadiums with restricted numbers. Indoor events can go ahead with restricted numbers.
Weddings, civil partnerships and funerals – All allowed but with a 20 person limit.
Places of worship – Open but restricted to 50 people.
Leisure and Entertainment – Open with the exception of adult entertainment and nightclubs.
Workplaces – Open but working from home is the default option.
Schools – Open with standard protective measures in place.
STV NewsLEVEL TWO:
Aberdeenshire, Aberdeen City, Angus, Fife, Borders, Dumfries and Galloway, Argyll and Bute, Perth and Kinross.
Socialising – People cannot socialise indoors with another household. Six people from two households can meet outdoors and in hospitality settings.
Hospitality – Pubs, restaurants and cafes are open. Alcohol can only be sold with a main meal indoors – curfew of 8pm, last entry 7pm. Alcohol can be sold outdoors – curfew of 10.30pm, last entry 9.30pm.
Accommodation – Hotels, B&Bs and self-catering accommodation such as caravans and campsites are permitted to open. Level two hospitality rules apply.
Travel – No non-essential travel to/from areas of Scotland that are in level three or higher. International quarantine regulations apply.
Transport – Avoid car sharing with people outside extended household wherever possible. Face masks on public transport.
Retail and close contact services – Shops and close contact services – such as hairdressers, barbers, tailors and beauticians – open but mobile close contact services not permitted.
Public buildings – Buildings such as libraries and museums are open with protective measures in place.
Stadia and events – Only drive-in events permitted. Stadiums closed to spectators.
Weddings, civil partnerships and funerals – All allowed but with a 20 person limit.
Places of worship – Open but restricted to 50 people.
Leisure and Entertainment – Cinemas and amusement arcades can open. The following venues must close: soft play, funfairs, indoor bowling, theatres, snooker/pool halls, music venues, casinos, bingo halls, nightclubs and adult entertainment
Workplaces – Open but working from home is the default option.
Schools – Open with standard protective measures in place.
STV NewsLEVEL THREE:
Inverclyde, East Dunbartonshire, West Dunbartonshire, Renfrewshire, East Renfrewshire, City of Glasgow, South Ayrshire, East Ayrshire, North Ayrshire, Stirling, Falkirk, Clackmannanshire, City of Edinburgh, Midlothian, West Lothian, East Lothian, Dundee City, North Lanarkshire and South Lanarkshire.
Socialising – People cannot socialise indoors. Six people from two households can meet outdoors and in hospitality settings.
Hospitality – Pubs, restaurants and cafes are all allowed to open but cannot sell alcohol indoors or outdoors. Curfew of 6pm, last entry 5pm.
Accommodation – Hotels, B&Bs and self-catering accommodation such as caravans and campsites are permitted to open. The guidance encourages non-essential use by locals only – not for tourists.
Travel – No non-essential travel into our out of the level three area. International quarantine regulations apply.
Transport – Avoid car sharing with people outside extended household wherever possible. Avoid non-essential use of public transport. Face coverings compulsory.
Retail and close contact services – Shops and close contact services – such as hairdressers, barbers, tailors and beauticians – are open but may be subject to additional measures. Mobile close contact services not permitted.
Public buildings – Buildings such as libraries and museums are open with protective measures in place.
Stadia and events – No indoor or outdoor events permitted. Stadiums closed to spectators.
Weddings, civil partnerships and funerals – All allowed but with a 20 person limit.
Places of worship – Open but restricted to 50 people.
Leisure and Entertainment – All venues – including cinemas and theatres – closed.
Workplaces – Open but working from home is the default option.
Schools – Open with standard protective measures in place.
STV NewsLEVEL FOUR:
No local authority area in Scotland has been placed in level four.
Socialising – People cannot socialise indoors. Six people from two households can meet outdoors.
Hospitality – Pubs, restaurants and cafes must close.
Accommodation – Hotels, B&Bs and self-catering accommodation not open for tourists. Work-related essential use only.
Travel – No non-essential travel into or out of the level four area. If necessary, limits on travel distance, or a requirement to stay at home.
Transport – Avoid car sharing with people outside extended household wherever possible. No use of public transport, except for essential purposes. Face coverings compulsory
Retail and close contact services – Non-essential shops and close contact services – such as hairdressers, barbers, tailors and beauticians – must close. Mobile close contact services not permitted
Public buildings – Buildings such as libraries and museums are closed.
Stadia and events – No indoor or outdoor events permitted. Stadiums closed to spectators.
Weddings, civil partnerships and funerals – A maximum of five people allowed at weddings (six where an interpreter is required). Funerals and wakes subject to 20 person limit.
Places of worship – Open but restricted to 20 people.
Leisure and Entertainment – All venues closed – including cinemas, theatres and gyms.
Workplaces – Only essential indoor workplaces can open along with outdoor workplaces in sectors such as construction and engineering.
Schools – Open with standard protective measures in place.
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