Places of worship close as latest restrictions introduced

Places of worship across mainland Scotland will close from Friday as the latest set of coronavirus restrictions continue across the country.

Churches and other similar venues can only open under the new guidance – set out by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon on Monday – to broadcast a service or conduct a funeral, wedding or civil partnership.

Once again there are limits on such ceremonies taking place with a maximum of 20 people allowed to attend a funeral service – however wakes are banned.

Up to five people can attend weddings and civil partnership services.

Elsewhere ski centres, showrooms of larger retailers and clinics offering cosmetic and aesthetic procedures must also close.

The current one-metre exemption for social distancing in workplace canteens has also changed.

It means canteens will have to ensure that employees sit two metres or more apart.

Earlier this week the Scottish Government imposed a legally-enforceable stay-at-home order across mainland Scotland and Skye in a bid to stop the new Covid-19 strain spreading.

People are only permitted to leave their home for an “essential purpose” which includes essential shopping, exercise, caring for someone, or if you are part of an extended household.

Only two people from two different households are allowed to meet outdoors, instead of the previous limit of six people from two households, but children aged 11 and under are exempt from this rule.

Schools will also be closed to most pupils until February at the earliest, however this will be reviewed on January 18.