As of tomorrow (Saturday 16 January) further measures to help stop the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) and limit non-essential contact will be introduced this weekend.
Nobody who lives in a Level 4 area should leave or remain outside their home except for essential purposes.
Working from home arrangements will be strengthened through updated statutory guidance. Working from home should now be the default position for all businesses and services, and only those who cannot do their job from home should be asked to go to the workplace.
From Saturday non-essential click and collect retail services will be prohibited in Level 4 areas and further changes will be put in place to how services open for essential purposes operate. Timeslots will be required for collection and people should not enter a store to collect an item. Businesses providing takeaway food will also operate on a ‘non-entry’ basis only, meaning customers cannot enter the premises when placing or collecting orders.
Restrictions banning the consumption of alcohol in public places will also be introduced.
In a statement to Parliament, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon MSP said:
“The situation we face in relation to the virus remains extremely serious.
“We must continue to do everything possible to reduce case numbers – this is essential to relieve the pressure on our NHS and to save lives.
“Both individually and collectively, these additional measures – in further reducing the interactions that allow the virus to spread – will help our essential efforts to suppress it.
“At this critical and dangerous moment, please: Stay Home. Protect the NHS. Save lives.”
Kenneth Gibson MSP added:
“Especially with the pressures we are seeing on NHS Ayrshire & Arran, we have to do all we can to bring down the number of COVID-19 cases.
“I know how difficult it is but the sooner case levels drop, the sooner we will be able to go out again.
“The request to protect the NHS has never been more urgent and I strongly urge everyone to please ensure they now what the rules are and abide by them – the bad weather should make that easier.
“And if in doubt, don’t go out!”
The new regulations apply to all parts of Scotland currently in lockdown and will come into effect at 00.01 on Saturday.
Read the Strengthened Lockdown Restrictions in Effect from Saturday 16 January
Click and Collect services offered by essential retailers can continue but will be suspended across retail other than for:
clothing and footwear stores
homeware stores
garden centres/plant nurseries
baby equipment shops
electrical goods (including repairs)
key cutting and shoe repair shops
bookstores
ENDS
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