What time is Nicola Sturgeon's announcement, what will she say and how do I watch it?

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.

And while young people remain the most likely to be infected, Ms Sturgeon said that cases are beginning to spread to older, more vulnerable age groups.

At her daily press briefing yesterday, Ms Sturgeon said: "The situation is not out of control, but it is a cause of increasing concern."

What time will Nicola Sturgeon speak?

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

The announcement will follow a cabinet meeting on Wednesday morning when details of the new restrictions will be decided.

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 Jeff J Mitchell - Pool/Getty Images)

She will address assembled MSPs in the chamber of the Scottish Parliament at Holyrood.

Where can I watch Nicola Sturgeon’s announcement?

The First Minister’s address to MSPs will be broadcast live on BBC Scotland and BBC One Scotland for television viewers.

A live stream of the announcement will also be available to watch online from Scottish Parliament TV. You can visit the site here.

Ms Sturgeon will address assembled MSPs in the chamber of the Scottish Parliament at Holyrood. (Photo by Andy Buchanan / POOL / AFP)

What will Nicola Sturgeon say?

While the detail of what the First Minister will announce remains a closely kept secret, Ms Sturgeon has outlined the measures that the Scottish Government will not be taking.

Yesterday she told the public that the new measures will not amount to Scotland going into another lockdown, as was the case in March.

The First Minister left open the possibility of closing of pubs, restaurants and bars, as well as entertainment venues, and universities and colleges. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

The closure of schools has also been ruled out, as well as Scotland-wide travel restrictions.

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

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.

But she also left open the potential closure of pubs, restaurants and bars, as well as the closure of entertainment venues, and the closure of universities and colleges.

How have businesses reacted?

Amid rising speculation of further restrictions on the hospitality sector, a leading trade body voiced deep concern on Tuesday evening.

Emma McClarkin, of the Scottish Beer & Pub Association, said: "If the Scottish Government is to implement further harsh restrictive measures to our sector, it must include a dedicated package of support alongside it.

"Without it, the Scottish Government will leave our pubs and thousands of jobs doomed to failure."

Michelle Chambers-Cran, Regional Manager, David Lloyd Leisure added that it was “vitally important to the wellbeing of the Scottish people” that gyms and health clubs remain open.

“The latest data shows that Covid-19 cases in gyms across Scotland remain very low,” she said.

“Since our eight clubs reopened on 31st August, we have had over 251,000 member visits with just four reported cases and no known cases of transmission within our clubs.”

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