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Tier 4 measures will be put in place across 11 council areas in Scotland this week. Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced the measures on Tuesday, in what will be the strictest restrictions in place across the country. The measures came after a rise in coronavirus cases across the country.

Ms Sturgeon announced the decision to MSPs in Scottish Parliament on Tuesday during the weekly review of the Scottish Government’s coronavirus measures.

She said the “stubbornly and worryingly high” infection rates in the affected areas mean they will move from Level 3 into Level 4 of a five-tier system.

The First Minister told MSPs: “I know people are frustrated that other restrictions have remained in place longer than planned but Level 4 is intended to be short and sharp. And in this situation, it is specifically intended to have an impact in advance of Christmas and the most challenging winter period.

“Lifting the Level 4 restrictions then – as we will do – also means that they will not be in place for most of the Hanukkah period – so again, while celebrations may be different, there will be a greater degree of freedom.”

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When does Tier 4 lockdown start?

The Level 4 measures, which are similar to a full lockdown, will apply from 6pm on Friday, November 20.

They will be in place in Glasgow, Renfrewshire, East Renfrewshire, East Dunbartonshire, West Dunbartonshire, North Lanarkshire, South Lanarkshire, East Ayrshire, South Ayrshire, Stirling and West Lothian.

Ms Sturgeon said: “We will assess nearer the time the level that will apply in each area when the Level 4 restrictions end on December 11.”

What are Tier 4 rules?

Tier 4 restrictions are much like a full lockdown, with measures on non-essential businesses, travelling and socialising.

Ms Sturgeon said the move to Level 4 is “necessary to ensure that the NHS can cope with the range of pressures it will face over the winter”.

She told Holyrood on Tuesday: “We must ensure that hospital and ICU services are there, not just for those with Covid but for everyone who needs them.

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“That means we must get case numbers down from current levels before going into a period when winter pressures will increase.”

She added: “These decisions will give us the best possible chance – albeit in a limited and careful way – of being able to ease restrictions in all parts of Scotland for Christmas.”

Scotland recorded 37 deaths from coronavirus and 1,248 positive cases in the past 24 hours.

In the seven days up to Friday, November 13, cases across Scotland were recorded at the rate of 140 new infections per 100,000 people.

Here are the key restrictions under Level 4:

– People cannot meet in each other’s homes, with exceptions for extended households and people providing care.

– Socialising outdoors is limited to six people from two households.

– All hospitality businesses are closed, except for takeaway services and essential work-related accommodation.

– All non-essential retail businesses are closed – including “close-contact” services such as hairdressers, barbers and beauticians.

– Public transport must not be used unless essential, with a ban on travel outside the council area to be legally enforceable from Friday.

– Indoor sports facilities and all leisure and entertainment venues are closed.

– Places of worship remain open but with a limit of 20 people and the same for funerals, while there is a maximum of 15 for weddings and civil partnerships – including the couple.

– Outdoor workplaces, construction, manufacturing, vets and film and TV productions can remain open, along with those providing essential services, with everyone else recommended to work from home.

– Schools will remain open with enhanced and targeted protective measures.

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