NICOLA Sturgeon has plunged Scotland back into national lockdown amid a surge in coronavirus cases.
The First Minister said current Level 4 measures were not doing enough to contain the bug – we take a look at the rules she announced today.
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When is Scotland going into lockdown?
Scotland will be plunged into lockdown from 12am on January 5.
Ms Sturgeon told the nation on January 4 that the current Level 4 measures – the top level of restrictions in Scotland – would now not be enough to get the R rate back below one.
Ms Sturgeon told MSPs this lunchtime she was more concerned right now than at any point since March.
She said: "We have decided to introduce from tomorrow, for the duration of January, a legal requirement to stay at home except for essential purposes. This is similar to the lockdown of March last year.
"It is essential that we further limit interaction between different households to stem the spread and bring the situation back under control, while we vaccinate more people."
What will the new lockdown rules be in Scotland?
There will be a legal stay-at-home order from 12am – just like last March – with £60 minimum fines for breaches, the First Minister said this afternoon.
More non essential shops including showrooms will be forced to shut, and churches must shut for communal worship – though small numbers will be allowed to gather for weddings and funerals.
Everyone should work at home – and businesses must look again if they really have to send people in.
Shielding people in Scotland will be told not to go into work – and that will act as a sick note to employers.
Schools will be closed until at least the end of January – and perhaps longer – with only vulnerable children or key worker kids allowed to go in.
Scots cannot leave the country unless there is a medical emergency – and Brits from elsewhere should not enter Scotland.
Ms Sturgeon added that the rules will last until the end of January, and will be reviewed on a fortnightly basis.
What are the current lockdown rules in Scotland?
Under Level Four rules, non-essential shops were closed.
Bars, restaurants and cafes were also shut completely, with only takeaways able to stay open.
Hairdressers and beauty salons were also forced to close under the drastic measures.
Indoor visits were also banned completely under Level Four curbs, with people urged to remain at home as often as possible.
Scots could meet pals and family from one other household outdoors, with a maximum of six people allowed to gather at any one time.
And in Level Four, Scots were forced to remain within their own council areas.
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