Coronavirus in Scotland: Edinburgh and Lothian pubs ordered to close for two weeks

All Edinburgh and Lothian pubs have been ordered to close their doors after First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tightened lockdown restrictions across the Central Belt of Scotland.

Nicola Sturgeon said that due to the higher infection rate in the Central Belt, tighter restrictions were needed.

Pubs in the Lothians, Greater Glasgow and the Clyde, Lanarkshire, Ayrshire and Arran and Forth Valley have all been told to close their doors for two weeks from 6pm this Friday.

In these areas, all licensed premises - with the exception of hotels for residents - will be required to close indoors and outdoors, though takeaways will be permitted.

Coronavirus in Scotland: Edinburgh and Lothian pubs ordered to close for two weeks

Snooker and pool halls, indoor bowling alleys, casinos and bingo halls will close for two weeks from Friday in the Central Belt. Contact sports for age 18 and over will also be suspended for the next two weeks.

Outdoor live events will not be permitted in the Central Belt during this two week period.

Outside the Central Belt, hospitality outlets nationwide will be able to operate between 6am and 6pm to serve food and non-alcoholic drinks.

Ms Sturgeon said: “So while the measures I announce today will feel like a backward step, they are in the interests of protecting our progress overall.

“It is by taking the tough but necessary action now, that we hope to avoid even tougher action in future.”

Reaction to follow...