Coronavirus in Scotland: when will Nicola Sturgeon announce new restriction levels and what does it mean for Edinburgh?

Scotland’s First Minister is due to address the Scottish Parliament today with a review of the country’s lockdown restrictions.

Nicola Sturgeon’s announcement will take place in front of MSPs at Holyrood this afternoon shortly after 2pm – the time is yet to be confirmed.

The session will be a review of the country’s lockdown restrictions including what changes may or may not be made to the Capital’s current rules.

An Edinburgh City Council insider has allegedly told The Herald that the Scottish Government had already decided that Edinburgh will not be moved into tier two today, but the next review later this month has been pencilled in for the capital having restrictions relaxed, depending on improving trends continuing.

Nicola Sturgeon to review lockdown restrictions picture: JPI Media

During her daily briefing on Monday, Ms Sturgeon said it is ‘highly unlikely’ restrictions across the country will ease given the Scottish Government’s aim to significantly lower cases ahead of winter.

Here is some information about what to expect ahead of today’s announcement:

When is the lockdown review?

The first review of these restrictions is set to take place today, Tuesday 10 November, shortly after 2pm, but the time is yet to be confirmed.

A review of the rules in place will then take place on a weekly basis with the results of any changes coming into force on the Friday of each week.

How likely is it that Covid-19 restrictions will be eased or tightened?

Speaking during her announcement to the nation on Monday, the First Minister said while she is not anticipating a nation-wide level 4 lockdown, she said the easing of current restrictions in place is ‘highly unlikely.’

Where can I watch the First Minister’s lockdown review?

You can watch Ms Sturgeon’s coronavirus press briefing on Scottish Parliament TV here.

What tier of restrictions is my region under?

No regions have been placed under the lowest or highest level 0 and level 4 restrictions.

Level 1: Highland, Moray, Western Isles, Orkney and Shetland

Level 2: Aberdeenshire, Aberdeen, Fife, the Borders, Dumfries and Galloway, Argyll & Bute and also Perth & Kinross and Angus

Level 3: Inverclyde, East and West Dunbartonshire, Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire, and the City of Glasgow; South Ayrshire, East Ayrshire and North Ayrshire; Stirling, Falkirk and Clackmannanshire; The City of Edinburgh, Midlothian, West Lothian and East Lothian

You can find out which restrictions your region is under by checking the government’s postcode checker.

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