Coronavirus in Scotland: Edinburgh and the Lothians face full lockdown

The First Minister has addressed Scottish Parliament on Monday to announce that level four areas are to go into full lockdown.

Those in the Edinburgh and Lothians have been asked to remain at home, and are only allowed to leave for essential reasons.

This is in response to the latest rise in cases, of which the new coronavirus strain counts for almost half.

Edinburgh and the Lothians will return to full lockdown.

The new strain is up to 70% more transmissible than previously circulating strains.

Ms Sturgeon said: “Today’s case numbers – 1,905 new cases, with 15% of tests being positive, illustrate the severity and urgency of the situation.

"Indeed, it is no exaggeration to say that I am more concerned about the situation we face now than I have been at any time since March last year.

"The decisions I am about to outline will apply to all parts of Scotland currently in level 4 - they are effectively an enhancement to level 4.

"The first measure is that our fundamental advice, for everyone, is to stay at home.”

People will be able to leave their homes for care reasons, exercise – to which this time there is no limit – essential shopping and to remain part of an extended household.

Schools are to remain closed until at least February, though this will be under constant review.

Lockdown will be enforced by law and will begin at midnight on Tuesday morning.

The First Minister finished her statement with: “To conclude, this is most certainly not the new year statement I wanted to give.

“And I know it is a statement no one wanted to hear.”

A message from the Editor:Thank you for reading this article. We're more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by Coronavirus impacts our advertisers.

If you haven't already, please consider supporting our trusted, fact-checked journalism by taking out a digital subscription.