Scottish Government to reveal five-tier Covid alert system

The strategic framework - similar to England's three-tiered system - will be published on Friday.

Scottish Government to reveal five-tier Covid alert system SNS Group

The Scottish Government will publish its strategic framework for dealing with the coronavirus pandemic later on Friday.

It is expected to include a new five-tiered system similar to an expanded version of the three-tier system already in place in England, which has increasing restrictions depending on the designated alert level.

The system is being brought in to curb the rapidly surging numbers of Covid-19 cases.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the framework will set out the different levels of intervention and restrictions, which may be applied locally or nationally depending on how the virus is spreading.

The lower level will represent “the closest to normality that we can reasonably expect to live with until we have a vaccine or a more effective treatment for this virus”.

The highest or strictest level will be “closer to a full lockdown if things got to be that serious”. 

The framework will also outline a new testing strategy that will see results returned faster, as well as detail the “maximum” amount of support available to businesses affected by the pandemic.

It will be subject to parliamentary approval. Should it be given the green light, it will come into force on November 2.

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