First Minister announces variant preventative measures for Scotland

Following confirmation of a new variant of COVID-19 in the UK, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced preventative measures:

People from Scotland must not visit other parts of the UK and vice versa. Cross border travel for all but the most essential purposes is not permitted, with enforcement stengthened.

The law allowing indoor mixing in a bubble now applies on Christmas Day only, from 00.01 am on Christmas Day to 00.01 am on Boxing Day. A maximum of 8 people from 3 households is allowed, with advice to minimise numbers as far as possible.

Travel is only allowed within Scotland on Christmas Day. The Government says if people cannot get there and back in the same day, don't go, and don't go unless there is genuinely no alternative.

Level 4 measures will apply to all of mainland Scotland for three weeks from 00.01 am on Boxing Day, except Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles, and the other island communities which will go into level 3 with strict restrictions on who can travel to and from them.

All these levels will be reviewed after two weeks.

School re-opening in the new year will be postponed by a week, except for children of key workers and vulnerable children who can attend school. There will be online learning for other pupils until at least 18 January.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) update: First Minister's speech - 19 December