Ms Sturgeon said tougher restrictions were necessary to “slow the virus down”, suggesting the new strain accounted for almost half of all new cases in Scotland. She said it was “undoubtedly” driving the severity of the situation. Kieran Andrews, The Times’s Scottish political editor, tweeted: “Full lockdown coming to Scotland from midnight tonight. “Sounds like exercise and essential journeys (supermarket shop, medicine, key workers etc) will be the only reasons people are allowed outside. Statement at 2pm.”
He added: “Understand that NHS capacity is currently being pushed almost to its limit.
“This is a real concern because it won’t yet take into account cases spread at Christmas.
“All restrictions in place until at least Feb.”
More to follow…
