Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and East Lothian move into level three

Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and East Lothian have now moved to level three of the five-tier coronavirus alert system.

The change kicked in at 6pm and means residents should no longer travel outside of their own council area – unless they have a reasonable excuse.

Pubs and restaurants can open but, unlike in level two where alcohol can be served with a main meal, serving of alcohol is not allowed. They will also be subjected to a curfew of 6pm.

The changes, revealed by the First Minister in the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday, were made after a recent rise in virus cases in the areas.

Nicola Sturgeon said: “I know that the move to level three for East Lothian, Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire – and the continuation of it in many other areas – involves real and continued difficulties for many businesses, particularly in the hospitality sector.

“However, these measures are, in our view, essential to get and keep the virus under control.”

All other areas remain unchanged in their levels. However, there will be a review of the protection levels again on Tuesday to allow for action to be taken if there are further changes in infection data.

Cases of Covid in Aberdeen city and East Lothian increased by more than 50% in the last week, with a smaller rise shown in Aberdeenshire.

Most of the country’s cities and major towns are now in level three – 21 local authority areas are in that particular tier of restrictions.

Argyll and Bute will remain in level two – where four areas sit – but up to six people from two households can now meet within a home in the outer Argyll islands.

Dumfries and Galloway, Scottish Borders, Highlands, Moray, Orkney, Shetland and Western Isles are in level one.