FM says Scots complying well with new coronavirus restrictions
Compliance with new coronavirus restrictions put in place on Friday has been "good'', Nicola Sturgeon has said.
Pubs and restaurants in the central belt have been ordered to close, while elsewhere alcohol can only be served in outdoor areas.
The moves were part of a range of new measures enforced to halt a rise in Covid-19 cases.
Speaking during the Scottish Government's daily briefing in Edinburgh, the First Minister thanked individuals and businesses for complying with the new measures.
She said: "The early anecdotal evidence that we have from the police would suggest that compliance with the new rules and with rules generally has been good.
"That's encouraging - these new restrictions are really tough for everybody and they are tough for businesses, particularly in the hospitality sector.
"Nobody is unaware of that but they are vital for helping to stem the increase in cases, bring it back under control and of course stem the increase in hospital admissions and illness that we have been seeing.''
With the measures in place for two weeks, Nicola Sturgeon said the Scottish Government is looking to ensure the long-term suppression of the virus.
The First Minister added a planned tiered alert system will look to align as closely with the rest of the UK as possible.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson is to deliver a Commons statement on Monday afternoon setting out his plan for a three-tier system, with areas in England labelled as medium, high or very high risk.
Speaking after a Cobra meeting with the Prime Minister and leaders of the devolved administrations, the First Minister said her proposal will be put before the Scottish Parliament after the October recess.
Ms Sturgeon said: "At a strategic level, we will be looking to align as closely as possible with the other UK nations - I think it is important and it makes sense to try to do that.''
"Though, I would stress that operational decisions about what tiers may apply in which parts of our nations will be for each of us to take at a devolved level.''
The First Minister reiterated that, as well as the new tiered alert system, other measures including a revamp of the testing strategy, the extension of face covering regulations and strengthening compliance with public health guidance - particularly around self-isolation - will be put in place.
Health Secretary Jeane Freeman told the briefing that visiting restrictions in Scotland's care homes are to be relaxed.
Previously, just one person was able to visit those in care homes.
But Ms Freeman announced up to six people from two households will now be able to pay visits outdoors of up to one hour, while indoor visits will also be extended from 30 minutes to a maximum of four hours.
Personal interaction, including the holding of hands, will also now be allowed as long as hygiene measures are in place.
Ms Freeman said: "Having spoken to care home relatives, I know how much they appreciate and will comply with these infection prevention measures, precisely because of the love they have for their family member.''
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