Postcode checker Scotland: how to check the rules in your lockdown tier as Scottish Government introduces new online tool

Local authorities across Scotland have now been placed in a tiered lockdown

The Scottish Government has launched a new postcode checker to allow residents across Scotland’s 32 local authorities to find out what they can and cannot do depending on their area’s lockdown level

From November 2, new restrictions are being rolled out across the country using a five-tiered system.

The First Minister has confirmed that authorities will be divided up depending on the spread of coronavirus in their area, with tiers ranging from 0 to 4.

Here’s how to use the postcode checker to see the rules that apply to your area.

What are the new 5-tier rules in Scotland?

All local authorities have been placed between levels 1 and 3 of the lockdown measures, with groups no larger than six from two households allowed to meet.

In level 1, households can meet indoors, while from tier 2, they can only meet outdoors or in public venues and hospitality settings.

No indoor sports will be permitted for adults above the age of 18 in tier 3 and 4.

In tiers 1 and 2, cinemas, amusement arcades and bingo halls will be the only leisure facilities allowed to remain open, with soft play, funfairs, indoor bowling, casinos, theatres, snooker or pool halls, music venues, nightclubs and adult entertainment venues all shuttered.

In tier 3, cinemas, arcades and bingo halls will also remain closed.

All funerals and weddings will have a 20 person capacity and schools will remain open regardless of which tier a local authority is in.

Everyone in the central belt, as well as Dundee, has been placed in tier 3 and Nicola Sturgeon has said that no one in this area should travel outside of tier 3, and no one should travel into the area unless essential.

Scots are also being asked not to travel to England, Wales or Northern Ireland and for residents of the other three nations not to visit Scotland if avoidable.

No area in Scotland has yet been placed in level 4, the highest level of restrictions, in which all businesses but essential retail will be ordered to close.

How can I check restrictions in my area?

The government’s new postcode checker contains all the information about restrictions in each local authority area of Scotland.

Simply type in your postcode to see a list of rules and restrictions for your area.

You can access the postcode checker on the Scottish Government’s website.

What information does the postcode checker feature?

The checker will tell you what restrictions apply to your area in terms of socialising, childcare, extended households, hospitality, shopping, travelling and transport.

Ms Sturgeon has asked that people in Scotland familiarise themselves with the rules and regulations that affect them.

Could Scotland get a second national lockdown?

Following the announcement that England would be moving into a second national lockdown, Nicola Sturgeon said that he government would "carefully consider the impact" of such a move.

In a statement she said: "a crucial point for us is whether support on the scale announced for English businesses is available for Scottish businesses now or if we needed to impose further restrictions later - or if it is only available if Scotland has a full lockdown at the same time as a lockdown in England.”

However, the First Minister did insist that measures taken in late September to drive down the spread of the virus had proven successful and urged Scots to follow guidance in an attempt to avoid a second national lockdown.