'Numbers are rising so what else could she do?' - Readers' online comments

Readers are still taking in the news that Edinburgh is to remain in tier 3. The regional restrictions will be reviewed next week in a change to the Scottish Government’s previous position.

Christmas-themed face masks on sale in Edinburgh, which remains in tier three

Phyllis Keenan: If folks had been sensible and stuck to their own area with the exception of work then I'm sure the position would be different but some people are just doing what they want and ignoring guidance. Therefore there was no choice but to stay in tier 3. I am in East Lothian and now we've been put back to level 3 after doing so well. This is so sad for a lot of people but due to the inconsiderate folk flouting the rules.

Nicola Hermitage: We live in a densely populated area and we have more opportunity to come into contact with an infected person. We also are coming into a period when we are more likely to go out and get exposed with Christmas shopping and meeting friends and family. We might have had the numbers down but not far enough to prevent a surge when we all get a bit more careless trying to get the Christmas stuff out the way. I'd rather not accidentally kill someone’s granny to round off the year.

Patricia PradoL I understand the consequences to business, and yes, I’m directly affected by it, but it’s a safety measure, and that remains a fact. Not a convenient fact, but a fact nevertheless. If this very rich country were to support its people with adequate financial backing, not one person would question these decisions. There lies the problem.

David Black: Sadly too many people are just not giving a flying fig any longer and just doing whatever they please. Might as well make the whole place tier 99 for all the difference it’ll make to the selfish ambivalents!

Jacqueline Dickson: Numbers are rising so what else could Nicola Sturgeon do? God knows what's going to happen Hogmanay – I can't see everyone staying at home either and I wouldn't be surprised if we go back to the beginning and tier 4 after New Year

Bill Whyte: Tier 3 makes sense as the numbers are rising again. What we need is people to stick to the rules and to find a way to enforce those rules –until there is enforcement nothing will change. One glaring example is the demonstrations that are allowed to go ahead. It’s time for people to take responsibility for their actions.

Lynda Christie: This is going to go in for a lot longer than we think .If everyone stuck to to rules from the start thinks could have been different. So like a naughty school children the whole country is going into detention. Stay indoors and you could save a life, including your own.

Jacqueline Calder: Things change very quickly in relation to the virus, the infection rat etc so I'm not surprised that another review will follow next week. I was very surprised, though, that the decision to ease restrictions for five days was made such a while ago. Didn't and still doesn't make sense.

Alison Gardiner-Kidd: Why are people acting like we’re the only country in the world doing this? Look at Germany, they’ve gone back into lockdown. Staying in tier 3 really isn’t the end of the world.

Stewart Howie: I own a pub and I totally back our government. I'd rather be closed than open for a week then closed again like London is. It’s more detrimental to our business, all this stop-starting. I just wish folk would look a bit further than their selfish noses and stop the blame game. We will get through this and survive and so will many businesses.

HAPPY EASTER

A senior UK Government minister has said that “Easter can be the new Christmas”, despite the decision to stick with the easing of restrictions over the festive period.

Alastair Stewart: I wonder how many people are conflating Christmas the religious holiday with Christmas the family occasion? Many religious holidays have been restricted by Covid-19 already. Families will make of the 25th what they can – easing restrictions for the week is dangerous, and sadly I think there will be a price in January/February.

Linda Mitchell: We’ve come so far, it seems stupid to start easing restrictions before we reach the finish line.

Iain Lancastle: After the ordeal of the pandemic it's right that when circumstances allow the nation has the opportunity to celebrate the end of this nightmare and remember those who didn't make it. It doesn't have to be Easter, although that it a significant date linked with spiritual rebirth.

Christiine Wooley: The weather’s better then.