Nicola Sturgeon to announce regional levels in new 5 tier system on Thursday

The First Minister added that the Highlands Council area, as well as Orkney, Shetland, the Western Isles and Moray, could go straight into Level 1 – the second lowest tier in the new plan.

This would allow people to meet in other’s homes again, as six people from two households are permitted to meet indoors in level one areas.

But, speaking as MSPs debated the proposed lockdown system, Ms Sturgeon said the current restriction on indoor gatherings would remain in place “for a period as an extra precaution” as Scotland transitions to the new system from November 2.

Meanwhile, in Levels 0 and 1, pubs and restaurants could operate more normally, though in Level 1 a 10.30pm curfew would be imposed.

In Level 3, the level most of central Scotland and Dundee is likely to be placed into, bars and restaurants are not permitted to sell alcohol either indoors or outside, and must close by 6pm.

In Level 4 such premises would be closed, along with non-essential stores, visitor attractions, gyms, libraries and hairdressers.

Level 4 restrictions will only be imposed if “absolutely necessary as a short, sharp intervention to address extremely high transmission rates,” Ms Sturgeon pledged.

The Scottish Government will set up a new postcode checker so people can check what levels of restrictions are in place in their area.

Apart from Dundee, and the areas that could be placed straight into Level 1, most other areas can expect to go into Level 2, Ms Sturgeon indicated.

Here, they would still be barred from socialising in other people’s homes and pubs and restaurants can only sell alcohol indoors with a main meal with an 8pm closing time.

The First Minister said: “For all of Scotland our aim is to get to Level 1 and then to Level 0 of the framework as quickly as it is possible to do.

“If we can do that once we can do it again, but it will not be easy.”

For full information on the new restriction click here.

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