What is Tier 4 in Scotland and what are the new Covid restrictions?

NICOLA Sturgeon revealed tonight all of mainland Scotland will go into tough three-week Level Four restrictions from Boxing Day.

The First Minister confirmed the drastic measures will be applied as a “preventative” measure amid fears over a new virus strain south of the border.

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It was confirmed that Scots will still be allowed to meet loved ones on Christmas Day – but travel to England is banned.

Only Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles will be exempt from the harsh new Covid curbs.

Here’s how Level Four lockdown rules will affect Scots across the country.

Retail and hospitality

Non-essential shops must close under Tier Four rules.

Bars, restaurants and cafes will be shut completely, with only takeaways able to stay open.

Hairdressers and beauty salons are also forced to close under the drastic measures.

Only key retail outlets and takeaways would be allowed to continue operating, similar to March’s full lockdown.

Many shops will enforce one-way systems for customers, with two-metre social distancing enforced as well.

Hotels are allowed to stay open and continue serving food – but only for key workers staying for essential reasons.

Meeting other households

Indoor visits are banned completely under Level Four curbs, with people urged to remain at home as often as possible.

Scots are allowed to meet pals and family from one other household outdoors, with a maximum of six people allowed to gather at any one time.

Anyone who lives alone is allowed to form an extended household, and couples who don’t stay together can still spend time together indoors.

Where indoor visits are essential, people should maintain social distancing and recommended hygiene measures.

Scots will still be allowed to meet loved ones from two other households on Christmas Day – but will not be able to stay over, with the new rules coming into effect from December 26.

Travel

Scots will be forced to remain within their own council areas during a Tier Four lockdown with the aim of halting transmission of the virus.

But essential travel to other parts of the country for work, school and university is still permitted.

People are allowed to drive to other local authority areas for healthcare and shopping if absolutely necessary.

Scots are allowed to travel to other areas for exercise – provided they go no more than five miles from their home.

The Scottish Government will also impose fines for people who travel outside their council area without a valid reason from Friday – but .

Any Scots who are travelling to other parts of Scotland on December 25 should return to their own local authority for Boxing Day.

Schools

Schools typically remain open when Level Four measures are imposed – but the First Minister has confirmed the Christmas shutdown will be extended for a week.

Ms Sturgeon revealed classes will revert to online learning at the start of January – with a phased return to school being implemented.

Leisure and entertainment

Indoor gyms must shut under tighter lockdown curbs.

Museums, cinemas, libraries and all other entertainment venues are not allowed to open in Tier Four.

Outdoor parks and gardens can remain open to ensure people have plenty of space for exercise.

Weddings and funerals

Wedding receptions are not permitted under Tier Four rules – but marriage registrations can still take place with a maximum of 15 people able to attend.

Funerals and wakes are still allowed with 20 mourners able to attend, provided physical distancing rules can be followed.

And other life events such as christenings are still able to go ahead in places of worship.

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