Coronavirus in Scotland: Sturgeon announces tier three for Edinburgh - here's what it means

Nicola Sturgeon announced at parliament today that Edinburgh, Midlothian, East Lothian and West Lothian will be placed in tier three of Scotland’s new system which will commence on November 2. But what will that look like?

A shopper wears a protective face mask in Edinburgh's Princes Street.

Here’s a run-down of rules that will affect the nation’s Capital.

Meeting with people outside of bubble

Under level three restrictions, there will be an outright ban of in-home socialising while meetings in public and outdoor settings will be restricted to groups of six from no more than two households.

Specific advice for those in level 3 is that you should limit meeting people outside your own household and avoid indoor public spaces.

Food and Drink

The sale of alcohol will not be permitted in indoor or outdoor hospitality settings, however, the sale of food will.

Takeaways will be permitted for alcohol and food “as per existing arrangements”.

Travel

Level three restrictions do not permit non-essential travel into or out of the level 3 area with exemptions for “work, education, shopping health etc; outdoor exercise; weddings and funerals; and transit through restricted areas”.

Active travel (walk, run, cycle, wheel) is encouraged where possible, while car sharing is advised against along with non-essential use of public transport.

Public services and support services are both permitted to operate, but are encouraged to operate online where possible.

Services and events

Close contact services such as hairdressers and barbers will be allowed to operate in level three but may be subject to additional protective measures. Mobile close contact services are not permitted.

Weddings, and civil partnerships and funerals are all subject to 20 person limits.

Indoor individual exercise is permitted and all outdoor exercise, apart for adult contact, is permitted.

Shielding advice

The government has said that those shielding at all levels will not be asked “to distance from people within your own homes or to stop taking outdoor exercise.”

Other advice for those in tier three includes:

- strictly follow the guidelines when shopping and limit the number of times you go to a shop. Shop at quieter times.

- speak to your employer to ensure all appropriate protections are in place. If they are not, discuss getting a fit note with your GP or clinician.

- parents or guardians should discuss with their GP or clinician whether children should still attend.

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