This is what The Scotsman's readers said when Nicola Sturgeon announced five-tiered restrictions

At today’s Coronavirus briefing Nicola Sturgeon announced a new ‘strategic plan’ for Scotland.
Nicola Sturgeon has unveiled five-tier systemNicola Sturgeon has unveiled five-tier system
Nicola Sturgeon has unveiled five-tier system

The five-level lockdown system which sets out different regulations dependent on local authority areas will come into effect on November 2.

We asked our readers to share their views on the five- tier plan announced by the First Minister.

Here are some of the comments they have shared with us.

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Approving of the 5-step approach, Andy Littlejohn noted that the approach focuses on “protecting the NHS and saving lives.”

He added: "It is now simply down to the general public adhering to what is being asked of us. Those that may laugh and think the Government is doing wrong, clearly demonstrate that we are hearing about the wrong people dying. Do what is being asked and we will get through this quicker, but the spawn of our society the public not believing will ruin this country. ”

Others took a more critical approach, claiming that the First Minister is not thinking about those who will lose their jobs as a result of the restrictions within the new system.

Owen Lafferty said: “It's alright for her- she won't lose her job like everybody else. Poor people losing jobs who need to pay mortgages feed kids people need to work.”

Yet, Jill Bowis said that the Scottish government’s new measures are “a good step forward.”

Juli Harris agreed, saying: “I fully support my government taking whatever measure it deems necessary to protect people’s lives, as all lives matter.”

However, some readers were worried that the five-step approach would over-complicate matters for the public.

Phillip McCann said: “Some people complain (as is the case) that a three-tier system is confusing; God help them with five tiers.”

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Francis Ferguson named the new steps as “five levels of total confusion”

"Her circuit breaker, has turned out to be a massive short circuit in reasoning and common-sense,” she added.

George Rendall agreed, commenting that the whole system should be simplified to one tier which would focus on looking after those who are in a shielding category.

He said, addressing the First Minister in his comment: “Protect the vulnerable and open everything up before you destroy our country.Oh and listen to some other experts who have other opinions.”

In contrast, Jay Muirhead Campbell said she liked the system and thought the solution was “fairly simple” in its layout “with a focus on support for the more vulnerable.”

She also commented that the Scottish Government are going “above and beyond” the UK business support scheme.

However, Richard Tallach thought the new system will lead to “more destruction of the economy because of a virus that is not anything as lethal as originally thought.”

Kenny Beaton was quite light-hearted about the overall changes, comparing it to a 5-3 football victory for Scotland against England.

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He said: “I think it's great because it's got more tiers than England. 5-3 - yassss! Get in Nicola!”

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