New coronavirus rules coming today
Last updated 7th Oct 2020
Families across Scotland should find out today if their half term plans will have to be changed.
The First Minister's going to be announcing tougher restrictions to try and control coronavirus.
Nicola Sturgeon's already said it won't be a full lockdown, like in March, or national travel ban.
"The most difficult decision point we have faced so far'' - Nicola Sturgeon
But there could be tougher measures where the virus is spreading fastest, as more rural locations like Perth and Kinross haven't seen the same spike in cases.
Conservative MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, Murdo Fraser, said:
"It could be justifiable to have the same restrictions in a location like Perth and Kinross, or other rural communities, that are seeing a much lower level of cases compared to those that are required to be brought in somewhere like Glasgow
"I would be urging the First Minister if she's bringing forward new restrictions to do that a localised basis rather than effecting the whole country."
The First Minister is expected to set out the details of the next steps at the Scottish Parliament around 2.50pm.
The announcement will follow a cabinet meeting on Wednesday morning when details of the new restrictions will be decided.
The First Minister has described the situation as "the most difficult decision point we have faced so far''.
However, the closure of schools has been ruled out, as have Scotland-wide travel restrictions.
There will be no requirement for people to stay inside their homes most of the time, as was the case in March, though some additional measures in "hotspot'' areas might be necessary.
Speaking at the daily coronavirus briefing, the First Minister said she was receiving "very strong'' public health advice that new measures were needed in response to rising Covid-19 cases.
Infections are beginning to spread from younger sections of the population to older age groups, she said.
The average number of daily cases rose from 285 two weeks ago - when the ban on indoor household visiting was introduced - to 729.
Ms Sturgeon added: "The situation is not out of control, but it is a cause of increasing concern.''
There has been speculation of further restrictions on the hospitality sector, which led to a trade body voicing deep concern on Tuesday evening.
Emma McClarkin, of the Scottish Beer & Pub Association, said: "If the Scottish Government is to implement further harsh restrictive measures to our sector, it must include a dedicated package of support alongside it.
"Without it, the Scottish Government will leave our pubs and thousands of jobs doomed to failure.''