Coronavirus: All levels in mainland Scotland forced into national lockdown
By Helena Biggs | 04 January 2021 | Movers & Shakers, News
Scotland’s first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, has today (4 January) announced that the country will be forced into a national lockdown from midnight to try to contain the new, fast-spreading strain of coronavirus.
Up to this date, the majority of areas in the Scottish mainland were under level 4 restrictions with the likes of close-contact nail and beauty services closed, but all those in lower levels must now close by law. The situation will be reviewed at the end of January.
Island areas will remain in level three but ‘monitored carefully’. In these level 3 areas, mobile close contact service providers must not operate (with the exception of hairdressers and barbers) and close contact retail services are permitted to operate providing they follow Scottish Government guidance.
In an address to the Scottish Parliament, the first minister commented: “I am more concerned about the situation we face now than I have been at any time since March last year.”
The new lockdown rules mean that those affected will only be allowed to leave home for essential purposes, such as grocery shopping, exercise and caring responsibilities.
Click here to find out more about the financial support available while you are unable to work due to the restrictions.