Nicola Sturgeon: 'May be need for further restrictions' for Scotland ahead of 'circuit breaker' lockdown decision

Nicola Sturgeon has warned Scots that more restrictions may be needed to tackle the growing number of Covid-19 cases in the country.

Nicola Sturgeon has warned Scots more restrictions could be on the way to help battle Covid-19

The First Minister, speaking at her daily coronavirus briefing, said she would give the Scottish people “as much notice as possible” ahead of any restrictions being imposed as the Scottish Government considers the scientific evidence later today.

Ms Sturgeon said no decision had yet been taken and that restrictions would not be imposed “lightly”.

A potential ‘circuit breaker’ lockdown has been floated by Scottish Government officials as a way of cutting transmission of the virus and could take the form of a two-week-long strict lockdown similar to the nationwide restrictions seen in March.

National clinical director, Professor Jason Leitch, told the BBC such a move could “buy Scotland time” to deal with the rise in the rate of transmission.

The First Minister said she was “hopeful” the existing restrictions on household gatherings would help “stem the increase” of the virus over the next period.

She said: “Given the numbers we are seeing, we are and I’ve been very open about this over the past few days, it is possible that we will have to do more.

"There may well be need for some further restrictions in the near future.

"I can say that the government will be considering the latest clinical evidence and advice later on today and the Cabinet will be considering the up-to-date situation when it meets tomorrow morning.”

Ms Sturgeon said the Scottish Government would “endeavour” to give the public and the Scottish Parliament “as much notice as possible” alongside a “clear explanation of reasons” for the decision.

She said: “If we decide that extra restrictions are necessary it is because we deem it necessary and vital to get the virus back under control and avoid any unnecessary loss of life.

"But for now, pending any decisions that may be taken and communicated over the next few days, the best thing all of us can to do to try to stop this resurgence and bring transmission under control is to comply with the current guidelines and rules that are in place.”

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive. We are now more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription to support our journalism.

Subscribe to scotsman.com and enjoy unlimited access to Scottish news and information online and on our app. Visit https://www.scotsman.com/subscriptions now to sign up.

Subscribe to the Edinburgh Evening News online and enjoy unlimited access to trusted, fact-checked news and sport from Edinburgh and the Lothians. Visit https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/subscriptions now to sign up.

By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.

Joy Yates

Editorial Director