Nicola Sturgeon update: what time is First Minister’s latest Covid announcement? Holyrood to debate Level 4 restrictions

The mainland of Scotland has been under Level Four restrictions since Boxing Day
Nicola Sturgeon will deliver a covid update on Wednesday (Getty Images)Nicola Sturgeon will deliver a covid update on Wednesday (Getty Images)
Nicola Sturgeon will deliver a covid update on Wednesday (Getty Images)

Nicola Sturgeon is to provide an update on covid to the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday.

Holyrood was to be in recess until 2021 but has been recalled amid a rise in coronavirus cases partly caused by the spread of a more contagious strain of the respiratory disease.

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MSPs will also discuss the implementation of strict Level Four restrictions across the mainland of Scotland and whether any changes are necessary.

Introduced on Boxing Day the highest level of restrictions will be in place for all mainland regions until at least January 16.

When is Nicola Sturgeon speaking?

The Scottish Parliament is to debate the trade agreement between the United Kingdom and the European Union on Wednesday afternoon from 1.30pm.

This will be followed by an update on coronavirus from the First Minister.

Ms Sturgeon will address MSPs at 3.30pm.

How do I watch watch Nicola Sturgeon covid update?

Viewers can watch live on Scottish Parliament TV and follow the First Minister’s Live YouTube Stream as well as the Scottish Government's official Twitter page – @scotgov.

As ever The Scotsman will be running a live blog covering the First Minister's update.

Hogmanay celebrations warning

Prior to her Wednesday update, Ms Sturgeon issued a warning to Scots looking to celebrate New Year’s Eve.

Speaking via social media, she wrote: “COVID cases are rising.

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"Level 4 restrictions are now in place across mainland Scotland to suppress the new strain.

"It is especially vital that we do not mix indoors with other households, including at Hogmanay.

"Please plan to bring in 2021 at home with your own household.”

Current situation in Scotland

Mainland Scotland was put in level four on Boxing Day after the initial loosening of restrictions over the festive period was cancelled.

All non-essential shops, gyms and businesses including hairdressers and beauticians have been forced to shut until further notice and hospitality venues have had to close their premises, although take away services are still allowed.

The latest restrictions also prohibit travel between Scotland and England unless the journey is essential.