Leaked 'circuit breaker' lockdown plans list measures which could be placed on Scotland

A leaked memo lists potential restrictions for a 'circuit breaker' lockdown

Scotland could face a ‘circuit break’ lockdown including a complete closure of hospitality and a return to the stay-at-home message of the early stages of the pandemic, a leaked memo appears to suggest.

The memo which has yet to be verified but published by Guido Fawkes suggests the Scottish Government is keeping options open in regards to a potential return to lockdown for the whole country.

Two options for a ‘circuit breaker’ lockdown could include a standardised two-week period of lockdown across Scotland, or a ‘rolling circuit break’ in line with half-term holiday dates to avoid a major impact to education.

Included in the list of potential restrictions which could be imposed is the closure of hospitality, hairdressers and entertainment venues, remote learning at universities and colleges, and five or 30 mile travel restrictions.

The memo also suggests the ‘circuit breaker’ option is being viewed as an additional measure alongside other restrictions which remain unknown.

It states: “Plus optional ‘circuit break’ which can be factored into either Option 1 or 2.

“This could be either: a fixed, standardised 2-week period across Scotland, or a ‘rolling circuit break’ reflecting existing half-term holiday dates across Scotland

“We will need to specify what happens within the ‘circuit break’ but it could include some of the following (if not restrictive).”

Nicola Sturgeon, speaking at her daily coronavirus briefing, said she would not comment on whether the document was genuine but said anyone making conclusions that the measures were guaranteed to happen are “wrong”.

She added: “Any responsible government is looking at a whole range of options. We haven’t reached final decisions yet.”

Among the possible restrictions being considered listed in the memo are;

School closures

Remote learning only at universities and colleges

Closure of all hospitality

Stay At Home messaging returns

Potential five or 30 mile travel restrictions

Closure of entertainment venues

No visitor attractions

No indoor group activities

No contact sports

No spectators in stadia or indoor live events

No personal retail services such as hairdressers or driving lessons

Restrictions on care home and hospital visiting

No unregulated children’s activities.

Places of worship open for private prayer or reflection only

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “We do not comment on leaked documents.

“As the First Minister said today, we are looking at a wide range of options. No final decisions have been made.”

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