First Minister confirms Christmas rules tightening and extension to school holidays
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced major changes limiting Christmas gatherings and bringing in much tighter restrictions in the Highlands from Boxing Day.
It follows the announcement by Prime Minister Boris Johnston earlier this afternoon on the move to tier 4 for many parts of southern England and changes in the restrictions on contact at Christmas.
Ms Sturgeon detailed the new changes over the festive period and into the New Year which have been brought about by fears that a new variant of Covid-19 poses a real risk to increasing cases and deaths in Scotland.
She said: "Having just chaired a meeting of the cabinet, this is a situation that necessitates action.
"The new variant of the virus means we now face the most dangerous juncture since the start of the pandemic.
"We have to act accordingly and appropriately.
"If we do act now and firmly we can prevent that serious situation occurring."
She continued: "Covid cases had been falling but in the most recent week they had started to rise and an number of local authorities were put into tighter restrictions.
"Notwithstanding that, right now the case is not as severe as other parts of the UK.
"Our statistics published today – 572 new cases suggests a broadly stable position.
"But all things are not proving equal, a small number of the new cases had been identified in Scotland already this week.
"There is strong evidence that the new strain is spreading more quickly and is up to 70 per cent more transmissible and may increase the R number by up to 0.4 and it may already be driving cases in England.
"The latest information is that 17 cases have been identified in Scotland but that is likely to be an understatement.
"Given that it is circulating and that it is already seeded in Scotland, the bottom line is that if we don't act firmly now it will take hold here and the serious situation in Wales and England will develop here to.
"By January the NHS could be overwhelmed, it would mean many more people dying."
She stated: "Failing to act quickly is always a mistake, and we do have to take the warning we are being given now very seriously.
"We are asking everyone to redouble personal efforts in sticking to FACTS, staying out of houses and abiding by travel restrictions.
"In order to reduce the risk of cases, the travel ban will remain throughout the festive period, people from Scotland should not visit other parts of the UK and enforcement will be strengthened.
"We are also reviewing the position on international travel.
"We have already advised to celebrate Christmas at home, given the concern we are now changing the law to make it for Christmas day only.
"We will allow Christmas Day to go ahead but only allow that flexibility if you really have to.
"People travelling from elsewhere in the UK is no longer permitted and vice-versa. If you travel in Scotland, it must be the same day only and only if no alternative.
"The limits, eight people from three households applies. The virus does not care about Christmas."
She added: "If you have care responsibilities you still can."
Beyond Christmas, she explained: "To limit the spread we will apply Level 4 for three weeks from Boxing Day while the Islands will be at Level 3.
"From Boxing Day morning – non essential shops must close as will pubs, cafes and restaurants - takeaways will be allowed.
"We have also looked at schools – for the majority of pupils, holidays will be extended till January 11 and learning will be online till at least January 18, from them we will aim to reopen schools but until then they will only be open for key workers and vulnerable families."
