Lockdown restrictions in the west of Scotland extended and expanded
Last updated 7th Sep 2020
Lockdown restrictions on household visits have been extended to include East Dunbartonshire and Renfrewshire.
Nicola Sturgeon also announced the measures will remain in place in Glasgow, East Renfrewshire and West Dunbartonshire for at least another week.
The First Minister described the move as “regrettable” but said the measures were necessary.
She tweeted: “Over recent weeks, we have seen a continued increase in new Covid-19 cases in the Greater Glasgow and Clyde health board area.
“Having looked at where cases are being identified, the advice from the public health experts managing this outbreak is that restrictions on indoor gatherings should be extended to Renfrewshire and East Dunbartonshire and continue for at least a further seven days in Glasgow, East Renfrewshire and West Dunbartonshire.
“I understand this will not be welcome news for people living in these areas but it is necessary to help us limit the spread of Covid.
“Acting now gives us the time and the space to protect people and get more control over the virus.”
The restrictions, which first came into place from midnight on Tuesday, were introduced after figures showed 86 new positive coronavirus cases were recorded in the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde area.
It barred people from visiting separate households in these parts of the country, while also prohibiting them from visiting homes in other local authorities which have not been impacted.
This latest move follows a recent increase in the number of coronavirus cases with 78 new cases reported on Monday in the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde area and 92 new cases on Sunday.
Ms Sturgeon said the evidence pointed to transmission taking place between households, but an eye will be kept on the hospitality sector.
She tweeted: “Close attention will be paid over next few week to hospitality and, in the meantime, the councils involved will step up engagement and, if necessary, enforcement to ensure rules being complied with.
“So, if you live in Glasgow City, E or W Dunbartonshire, E Renfrewshire or Renfrewshire council areas, please don't have others visit you at home and don't visit other households in any part of Scotland.
“If we comply with this, hopefully further restrictions can be avoided.”
The measures also mean indoor visits to hospitals and care homes will be limited to essential visits only to protect the most vulnerable.
Restrictions will be reviewed every seven days in discussion with local partners.
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