Coronavirus in Scotland: Restriction levels ‘highly unlikely’ to ease and what this means for Edinburgh

Speaking at the Coronavirus briefing today, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said that she was “not going to pre-empt these decisions”, however, said it was ‘highly unlikely’ Scotland would see a general easing of restrictions across the board.

Ms Sturgeon added: "I would not anticipate much easing of restrictions when we announce the first review outcome tomorrow.

"I wouldn’t be expecting areas to go down a level. We are obviously looking at whether there is any reason for an area to go up a level.

"We’ve got to make serious judgements about that.”

This means that Edinburgh and the Lothians, which currently sit in tier three, will likely stay that way following the First Minister’s announcement tomorrow.

The news comes despite suggestions last week that Edinburgh and the Lothians might go down to level two.

Currently Edinburgh and the Lothians face the same restrictions as most of the central belt despite fewer positive cases recorded.

Ms Sturgeon said it was ‘not inconceivable’ that places such as Glasgow and Edinburgh will remain in the same tier as although case numbers are significant, there are others factors at play.

At level three, it is advised that you do not travel out of your local authority area for non-essential purposes and people living outside level three should not travel into a level three area for non-essential reasons.

Ms Sturgeon said: "These travel restrictions are never easy but they are vital in preventing spread of infection in areas of high infections and areas with lower rates.”

Cafes, pubs and restaurants are only allowed to open until 6pm to serve food and non-alcoholic drinks to groups of up to six from two different households. Alcohol sales are not permitted indoors or outdoors and all leisure and entertainment facilities are closed at this level, including cinemas.

If level two came into force in the east, licensed premises would be able to serve alcohol indoors with a main meal until 8pm and outdoors, alcohol can be served until 10.30pm.

Most leisure and entertainment premises would remain closed except gyms, cinemas, bingo halls and amusement arcades. In-home socialising would still be banned with other households.

In level one, hospitality has a 10.30pm curfew and events, like weddings, are restricted to 20 people. Indoor contact sports for adults are not permitted. Only those unable to work from home should go to their place of employment.

No council has yet to be put into Level four restrictions which are similar to the lockdown restrictions that were applied across Scotland at the end of March. In this category, schools remain open but all non-essential shops, as well as pubs and restaurants, gyms, libraries and hairdressers, are closed.

At today’s briefing, Ms Sturgeon noted that the tough restrictions are ‘not in vain’ as they are saving lives.

She added: "The best chance each local authority has in avoiding tighter restrictions and of then hopefully moving down the level in weeks to come, is if all of us as individuals stick to current restrictions.”

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