Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has introduced new restrictions to the country over the next two weeks in response to the rising cases of coronavirus. There are five areas of concern in particular across Scotland, and these are – Greater Glasgow & Clyde, Lanarkshire, Ayrshire & Arran, Lothian and Forth Valley.
Speaking from Holyrood Ms Sturgeon said she was “grateful” for the work done by the hospitality industry to stop the spread of coronavirus as she announced the tough new measures.
Speaking to MSPs, the First Minister said: “However, the evidence paper published today sets out why these settings present a particular risk.
“The R number seems to have risen above 1 approximately three weeks after the hospitality sector opened up. We know that more than one fifth of people contacted by test and trace, report having visited a hospitality setting.”
She added: “All of these reasons, significantly restricting licensed premises for 16 days temporarily removes one of the key opportunities the virus has to jump from household to household. It is an essential part of our efforts to get the R number significantly below one.”
Read More: New Scotland lockdown: Pubs BANNED from serving alcohol for 16-days
However, all licensed premises in the Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Lanarkshire, Ayrshire and Arran, Lothian and Forth Valley health board areas will be closed for both indoor and outdoor operations.
Cafes without a licence to sell alcohol will be allowed to open until 6pm, Ms Sturgeon said, explaining this would be to counter social isolation.
She explained the new restrictions coming into force in Scotland this week will be kept “under review”.
Ms Sturgeon told MSPs: “The more we comply, the more effective they will be.”
The First Minister acknowledged the damage these restricitons could cause for hospitality businesses, and said an additional £40 million in funding will be made available to those impacted by new restrictions.
She added the Scottish Government will work to target the support to businesses most in need
What else did Nicola Sturgeon announce today?
As part of her coronavirus update, Ms Sturgeon asked residents in the central belt of Scotland to avoid public transport unless absolutely necessary over the next two weeks.
She announced those in the five health board areas – Greater Glasgow & Clyde, Lanarkshire, Ayrshire & Arran, Lothian and Forth Valley – should only use public transport when travelling to work, school or other unavoidable reasons.
While a travel restriction is not being enforced on people those areas, Ms Sturgeon urged those living there not to travel beyond their own health boards.
Another announcement will see face coverings become mandatory in indoor communal settings in Scotland.
In the coming weeks, the Scottish Government will implement regulations to expand the rule, which will enforce a face covering in places such as staff canteens and corridors in workplaces.
Ms Sturgeon said the restrictions were put in place today to make sure there will not be a full lockdown in the future.
She explained the new measures will help stop the virus from continuing its increased spread throughout the country.
Ms Sturgeon said: “These new restrictions will last for 16 days. They are intended to be short, sharp action to arrest a worrying increase in infection.
“However, although they are temporary, they are needed. Without them, there is a risk the virus will be out of control by the end of this month.
“But with them, we hope to slow its spread. That will help to keep schools and businesses open over the winter. And it will save lives.”
