Two million people set to move into level-four lockdown

Parts of Scotland will move into a level-four lockdown on Friday as coronavirus cases continue to rise.

Non-essential shops, pubs and restaurants will close in 11 council areas including Glasgow for at least three weeks from 6pm.

‘Close-contact’ services such as hairdressers and beauty salons will also have to shut their doors.

It will be against the law to travel in and out of level three and four council areas.

Around two million people will be affected by the lockdown, with city of Glasgow, Renfrewshire, East Renfrewshire, East Dunbartonshire, West Dunbartonshire, North Lanarkshire, South Lanarkshire, East Ayrshire, South Ayrshire, Stirling and West Lothian all to move into the toughest tier of restrictions.

The First Minister announced the plans on Tuesday to the Scottish Parliament, stating the lockdown was intended to be “short and sharp” in the run up to the festive period.

She told MSPs: “Level four is intended to be short and sharp. And in this situation, it is specifically intended to have an impact in advance of Christmas and the most challenging winter period.”

Most of Scotland’s councils will remain in their current level, with 19 of the local authorities seeing no change.

Two council areas – East Lothian and Midlothian – will move down a tier to level two, having seen a “marked decline” in the prevalence of the virus.

The tier system came into effect on November 2 and comprises of five levels ranging from level zero to level four.

Level zero represents the closest to normal the country can get without effective treatment or a vaccine, whereas level four is closer to the full lockdown restrictions seen at the start of the pandemic.

Here’s a closer look at the restrictions that will come into force at 6pm on Friday for those in level four areas.

Socialising – People cannot socialise indoors. Six people from two households can meet outdoors.
Hospitality – Pubs, restaurants and cafes must close. Takeaways can operate as normal.
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 15 people allowed at weddings and civil partnerships, however receptions are not allowed. Funerals and wakes subject to 20 person limit.
Places of worship – Open but restricted to 20 people.
Leisure and Entertainment – All venues closed.
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.