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Glasgow has reported a significant spike in coronavirus infections in recent weeks following a relatively low period during the end of lockdown. The spike is likely due to lockdown measures easing, meaning more people are out and socialising with others in public places, something which was completely eradicated during national lockdown. 

Is Glasgow going into lockdown?

Restrictions have been reimposed in Glasgow following an increase in reported cases. 

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced the move after 66 out of 154 new positive cases were recorded in the Greater Glasgow and Clyde area.

The restrictions will apply to people living in Glasgow, West Dunbartonshire and East Renfrewshire. 

They will be in place for two weeks, but will be subject to a review after just one week.

Ms Sturgeon said during the Government’s daily coronavirus briefing: “These are decisions that have not been taken lightly.”

The First Minister added while these measures are only guidance at the moment, they will be backed up by the law if not properly adhered to. 

Ms Sturgeon added: “They form guidance at the moment but we will consider if necessary putting them into regulation and giving them the force of law. 

“I cannot rule out if we don’t see these measures working and being effective, that we may have to go further.

“However, it is hoped that by acting quickly in this preventative way, we can avoid having to take further action or imposing any further restrictions later on.”

Ms Sturgeon confessed that she knew the measures would be “unwelcome” by Glasgow residents, including herself, who will be affected by the measures. 

The SNP leader said: “While I know this will be hard, it is essential.”

The First Minister added action was needed because coronavirus is “spreading again, particularly in these three local authority areas.”

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What are the new rules?

Ms Sturgeon said the transmission of the virus in affected areas appeared to be mainly happening inside people’s homes and between households. 

As a result, people in the three designated areas should not be hosting anyone from another household in their own home. 

The measures will take effect from midnight tonight, in all three areas of the city. 

Care home visits will only be allowed to take place outdoors and only emergency hospital visits will be given the green light. 

The First Minister said clamping down on household visits is particularly important because the Government “believe it is spreading primarily as a result of household gatherings”. 

It comes weeks after schoolchildren in Scotland went back to the classroom, weeks earlier than children in England, who are starting to go back from today. 

The rise in cases in the Glasgow area comes after an average of eight cases a day were recorded in the same places in the first two weeks of August. 

This data has prompted the Government to take action before cases become out of control and stricter measures have to be imposed. 

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