Nicola Sturgeon warns Lanarkshire could be moved to level four of lockdown restrictions next week

the festive season indoors but said it would be for a "small number of days" involving a "small number of households". The SNP leader added that Scots should not feel they had to take advantage of an easing of restrictions - and should consider delaying any visits to friends or family until the spring.

coronavirus  death toll has hit 3,459, the  Scottish Government  confirmed today.

travel ban is being imposed tomorrow along with closures for non essential shops affecting nearly half the population. The measures attracted a major backlash from businesses who now fear disaster in the normally busy festive season.Sturgeon, at today's coronavirus briefing, said the rate of infection is showing signs of improvement but there are big regional variations.

supermarkets have revealed their plans ahead of the move to level four coronavirus restrictions in parts of the country later this week. The Scottish Government announced that 11 local authorities will be moving to the highest tier of measures, which will resemble something close to the national lockdown in spring.

Nicola Sturgeon has insisted the benefits of schools staying open “outweigh” their impact on the spread of coronavirus.The First Minister outlined the details of a new report from Public Health Scotland, which found three-quarters of all schools did not report a single case of Covid-19 in the first nine weeks of this term.In total, 1,621 pupils tested positive for the virus during that period, the equivalent of 0.2% of the total cohort.Scotland's largest teaching union has already threatened

Nicola Sturgeon today confirmed 11 councils including Glasgow will go from level three to level four at the end of the week.It means only essential shops can open, while new restrictions will be imposed on hospitality and leisure.The level four rules will be imposed in Glasgow city, Renfrewshire, East Renfrewshire, East Dunbartonshire, West Dunbartonshire, North Lanarkshire, South Lanarkshire, East Ayrshire, South Ayrshire, Stirling and West Lothian.Sturgeon, at the Scottish Parliament, said she

level two rules on November 24.The change depends on continued progress, but it was seen as a positive sign while Glasgow and 10 other councils were ordered into the highest level four lockdown.First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced the plan at the Scottish Parliament as part of the government's weekly review of the five-tier system.She said: "I am pleased to report that East Lothian and Midlothian have both seen a marked decline in infection rates – prevalence in these areas is significantly

East Kilbride has been plunged into a second lockdown.

Get the stories that matter to you sent straight to your inbox with our daily newsletter.Level four lockdown will be coming to Lanarkshire from Friday, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has confirmed.Businesses including hospitality, salons, gyms, hairdressers and non-essential retail will have to close when the new restrictions come into effect at 6am on Friday, November 20.For three weeks, Lanarkshire will be put into the highest level of restrictions used by the Scottish Government before being

Nicola Sturgeon has given her strongest indication yet that Glasgow and much of the west of Scotland will be moved into level four of lockdown this week.The First Minister said the rate of Covid infections in the west were stable but remained "stubbornly high".It means thousands of shops and other non-essential firms - such as hairdressers and all hospitality businesses  - could be forced to close from Friday for an undetermined length of time.The Scottish Government will carry out its weekly

Nicola Sturgeon has vowed to keep schools open in the west of Scotland even in council areas placed at level four.The First Minister today gave her strongest indication yet that several local authorities will this week be moved into the Government's highest level of lockdown - meaning thousands of non-essential businesses will be forced to close.But both primary and high schools will stay open to ensure youngsters can still attend class.It comes as the country's biggest teaching union, the EIS,

travel ban is being considered as Glasgow and the west of Scotland look set to move into level four lockdown.The First Minister signalled a "statutory regulation based approach" could replace voluntary restrictions on travelling.Under the current five-tier system, restrictions on travelling from one council area to another amount to advice only.The First Minister confirmed that parts of Scotland could be moved this week into level 4, which is the toughest set of restrictions.Speaking at her

coronavirus vaccine could be available in Scotland, she hopes people will start receiving jabs before the end of 2020 or "certainly very early next year". Her comments at the Scottish Parliament came after drugs manufacturer Pfizer revealed earlier in the week that its Covid-19 vaccine is more than 90% effective at preventing the virus.

Nicola Sturgeon has confirmed the central belt of Scotland will remain at level three of lockdown following a review of Covid infection rates across the country.The majority of local authorities - including Glasgow, Edinburgh and Dundee - will stay at the same tier they were placed in last month, meaning non-essential shops can stay open.But three council areas - Fife, Perth and Kinross, and Angus - will move up one tier from level two to level three following a rise in Covid infections.There

Nicola Sturgeon has said it is “highly unlikely” she will tomorrow announce a significant easing of covid restrictions for any part of the country.She said Scotland is in a “far better” position than it was, but noted there still needed to be a big decline in cases.However, she did not rule out tougher restrictions for some areas.The Scottish Government recently announced a five-tier system of restrictions for the country’s local authority areas.The first weekly review will be announced in

Nicola Sturgeon has said the Government is looking at making travel restrictions mandatory.

hospitality premises will be able open across the central belt during the day under changes announced by Nicola Sturgeon.The controversial definition of a cafe is being removed by the Scottish Government, after a backlash, meaning all premises can operate in the day up to 6pm without selling alcohol.At level 2, which currently covers the rest of Scotland, hospitality premises can sell alcohol indoors with a main meal up to 8pm instead of 6pm, allowing scope for evening meals.Hotels and other

Nicola Sturgeon has promised to listen to the lockdown fears of businesses as she prepares to introduce a stricter set of covid restrictions across Scotland.The First Minister unveiled the five-tier plan of measures for dealing with the coronavirus pandemic in Scotland at the daily Scottish government press conference.Responding to complaints from bars and restaurants that they face ruin in extended lockdown, Sturgeon said she would consult with opposition parties and businesses over the next