The Scottish Parliamant was recalled today to discuss changes to how the country is dealing with the Coronavirus pandemic.
First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon made a statement and outlined tougher restrictions to help address the increasing number of cases of Covid-19 across the country.
The First Minister told the chamber,
I am more concerned about the pandamic now than I have been at any time since March
"I am more concerned about the situation we face now, than I have been at any time since March last year"
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon warns of “significantly increased pressure on the NHS over the course of this month” https://t.co/m2RAEgFYqa pic.twitter.com/BfiUFye2Ob
— BBC Breaking News (@BBCBreaking) January 4, 2021
Estimates that Scotland is about four weeks behind the South East & London when it comes to number of cases.
The following measures will be in place until January 31.
- Stay at home – a legal requirement to stay at home from 00:01 on 5 January, similar to the March lockdown. You must only leave home for essential purposes.
- Work – you must work from home unless you can’t carry out your work without being in a workplace
- Shielding – people in the shielding category are advised to not go to work, unless they are working from home
- Excersise – this will not be limited but should be done safely and close to your home address
- Limit on meeting people – areas in Level 4 only two people from two households can meet outdoors. Children under 11 do not count to this total.
- Travel restrictions – you must only leave home for essential purposes
- Schools – schools will remain closed to all but vunerable children and those of key workers until 1 February
- Places of worship – to close except for funerals with a maximum of 20 people, weddings & civil partnerships with a maximum of 5 people or broadcast of services
Grants for businesses will be available, the Government will be providing more information on this during the week.
Schools will be the first thing to reopen, once it is safe for them to do so.
This is breaking news and being updated
