Nicola Sturgeon: What new coronavirus restrictions should Scotland expect in the First Minister’s announcement?

The First Minister is expected to set out the details of the next steps the Scottish Government will take at around 2.50pm.

It comes as the average number of daily cases in Scotland rose from 285 two weeks ago - when the ban on indoor household visiting was introduced - to 729 this week.

Yesterday, 800 infections were reported in Scotland, along with two additional deaths.

Speaking at the daily coronavirus briefing, the First Minister said she was receiving "very strong" public health advice that new measures were needed in response to rising Covid-19 cases.

What restrictions will Nicola Sturgeon announce?

While the detail of what the First Minister will announce remains unknown, Ms Sturgeon has ruled out several measures - including a nationwide “circuit breaker” lockdown.

Yesterday she told the public that the Scottish Government was not considering closing schools, and would not impose Scotland-wide travel restrictions.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is set to announce a fresh round of coronavirus restrictions for Scotland in a statement to the Scottish Parliament this afternoon. (Photo by Andy Buchanan / AFP) (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP via Getty Images)

There will also be no requirement for people to stay inside their homes, unlike during the spring lockdown, though Ms Sturgeon said some additional measures in "hotspot" areas might be introduced.

The public can expect the First Minister to clarify her position on a variety of potential measures that were not ruled out at yesterday’s briefing.

Pubs, restaurants, bars and gyms could all face additional restrictions or even possible closure.

Expect Ms Sturgeon to also comment on the status of universities and colleges, where hundreds of cases of coronavirus have been reported since they reopened in September.

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.

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

Joy Yates

Editorial Director