Nicola Sturgeon 5-tier announcement: This is what time the First Minister is set to announce new localised levels, and how to watch

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is set to announce which Scottish health boards will be in which level of the government’s new five-tiered restrictions plan later today.

The five-tier structure was voted in at a Holyrood debate on Tuesday afternoon, where Ms Sturgeon outlined plans for reducing the spread of coronavirus in Scotland.

Here’s everything you need to know:

What time will the announcement be made?

The announcement of which area falls into which level is likely to be made before First Minister’s Questions at around 12.20pm

How to follow

You can follow on Scottish Parliament TV here – or keep your eyes on our homepage HERE for the latest updates, analysis and reaction the the news.

Have the levels been announced yet?

An announcement on which health board will be in which level will be made today

No, however we do have a good idea of where certain areas will be heading. The Central Belt, which is currently under tighter restrictions than the rest of the country, is likely to be placed in level three. Question marks still remain over areas such as South and North Lanarkshire and Dundee.

The First Minister added that the Highlands Council area, as well as Orkney, Shetland, the Western Isles and Moray, could go straight into Level 1 – the second lowest tier in the new plan.

This would allow people to meet in other’s homes again, as six people from two households are permitted to meet indoors in level one areas.

When will the new restrictions come into place?

The announcement will impact the hospitality industry in Scotland. PIC: Lisa Ferguson

The new restrictions will come into place from Monday, November 2.

What do the levels mean?

In Levels 0 and 1, pubs and restaurants could operate more normally, though in Level 1 a 10.30pm curfew would be imposed.

In Level 3, the level most of central Scotland and Dundee is likely to be placed into, bars and restaurants are not permitted to sell alcohol either indoors or outside, and must close by 6pm.

The normally-busy Royal Mile was all but deserted during Edinburgh's peak tourism season this summer. Picture: Lisa Ferguson

In Level 4 such premises would be closed, along with non-essential stores, visitor attractions, gyms, libraries and hairdressers.

Level 4 restrictions will only be imposed if “absolutely necessary as a short, sharp intervention to address extremely high transmission rates,” Ms Sturgeon pledged

You can see a comprehensive rundown of the levels on our website HERE.

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