Five-level coronavirus alert system for Scotland outlined by First Minister

Nicola Sturgeon has set out a five-tier plan of measures for dealing with the coronavirus pandemic in Scotland.

The new set of restrictions has been anticipated since a similar three-tiered system was introduced in England by Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

If approved at Holyrood next week, the new measures will come into force in Scotland on Monday November 2.

The First Minister outlined the new system at her daily coronavirus briefing on Friday.

She said the changes are required to help Scotland live with coronavirus, and can apply to specific council areas or nationwide if necessary.

That means areas with lower levels of the virus do not require to be under the same restrictions as areas with higher infection rates, she said.

Scotland has recorded 18 coronavirus deaths and 1,401 positive cases in the past 24 hours, Ms Sturgeon said, but she added the infection rate appears to be slowing.

The First Minister announced the draft framework at the daily coronavirus briefing on Friday, saying it will allow the country to take a national approach where required or for it to be more locally-focused.

She added "we do not envisage returning to a situation as severe as the first lockdown imposed back in late March.''

Also stressing Scotland is "not back at square one'', and the framework is intended to build on the progress made in tackling the virus.

The levels will be reviewed on a weekly basis, the First Minister said.

Earlier this month, temporary restrictions were brought in across Scotland and although they were initially set to end on October 25, these have now been extended until the new tiered system comes into effect.

Since October 9, bars and restaurants in five health board areas - Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Lanarkshire, Ayrshire and Arran, Lothian, and Forth Valley - have been forced to close for all but takeaways.

Pubs, bars, restaurants and cafes elsewhere in Scotland are only allowed to serve indoor customers between 6am and 6pm with a ban on alcohol inside, although alcoholic drinks can be served until 10pm in outdoor areas.

• How will the new system work?

Every part of the country will be placed into grades ranging from a baseline of Level 0 up to the highest Level 4.

The five levels represent an advancing scale of lockdown restrictions.

• What will happen in Level 0 areas?

Eight people from three households will be able to meet inside homes in these areas, and 15 people from five households can gather outdoors.

Schools and most businesses will remain open, although pubs and restaurants may have a curfew.

Travel to areas in Levels 3-4 - as well as equivalent parts elsewhere in the UK - will be banned.

Ms Sturgeon said Level 0 will represent the closest to normal the country can get without effective treatment or a vaccine.

Life events such as weddings and funerals will be allowed with a maximum of 50 people in attendance.

• And in Level 1?

This tier restricts meetings in homes and outdoors to six people from two households.

Small indoor seated events will be allowed although outdoor standing events will be banned.

Life events will be reduced to a maximum of 20 people.

Only those who cannot work from home should go to their place of employment but schools will remain open with enhanced protective measures in place.

• What will be the rules in Level 2?

Different households will not be able to meet in each other's homes.

Stadium gatherings and events will be banned, other than those which are drive-in.

Venues such as soft play centres, funfairs and theatres will be shut. Cinemas and amusement arcades will remain open.

Pubs will be allowed to open indoors as long as they serve a main meal.

Schools will remain open with enhanced protections in place.

• What does Level 3 mean?

Hospitality venues will not be allowed to serve alcohol indoors or outdoors, although food can be consumed on premises with potential time restrictions.

Entertainment premises will be closed.

People should avoid public transport and there should be no travel outside of the area, unless essential.

Additional protective measures may be in place for services such as hairdressers.

• And Level 4?

This will be much closer to the full lockdown restrictions seen from the end of March.

All non-essential businesses will be closed, including accommodation which is not work-related.

Public transport must not be used unless essential.

Places of worship will remain open but the limit will be reduced from 50 people to 20.

Weddings and civil partnerships will be limited to five people - six when there is an interpreter.

Construction and manufacturing will continue.

Schools will remain open with enhanced and targeted protective measures, including shielding children being told not to attend school premises.

• What happens now?

The Scottish Government will continue to consult stakeholders about its five-level plan.

Holyrood will debate the framework next week before it is expected to come into force on Monday November 2.

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