Level 4 lockdown to be imposed in Scotland
/
Over two million people will be forced to live their lives through Scotland’s level four lockdown restrictions starting from Friday 20th November. These restrictions will bring further limitations on what businesses will be allowed to stay open. ‘Non-Essential’ shops, restaurants, bars, pubs along with gyms will all be forced to close. Schools however will remain open and operate under social distancing rules. The level four lockdown is set to remain in place until 11th December.
The level four restrictions will begin at 18:00 on Friday 20th November across 11 local authority areas. Residents who live outside of the areas that impose the level four lockdown restrictions have been advised not to travel outside of their council areas unless it is deemed essential in doing so. This also means that non-essential travel between Scotland and other parts of the UK is not permitted.
The guidance from the Scottish Government has stated that only essential domestic jobs are permitted such as gas work, electrical repairs, essential maintenance or anything that would threaten the health and safety of a household. All tradespeople will have to follow social distancing rules, remaining two metres apart from all individuals where possible, wearing face masks and enforcing good hand hygiene. Construction in general will be allowed to progress throughout lockdown restrictions following existing COVID site procedures and guidelines.
The level four lockdown will affect East Dunbartonshire, Glasgow, Renfrewshire, Stirling, West Dunbartonshire, West Lothian, East Ayrshire, East Renfrewshire, North Lanarkshire, South Ayrshire and South Lanarkshire. Nicola Sturgeon has justified these restrictions as a vital step to protect the NHS and open up the possibility of spending time with loved ones over the Christmas Period.
What restrictions are enforced during a level 4 lockdown?
Residents must stay at home.
You must not visit other people’s homes, but you can meet up to six people from two households in an outdoor environment.
You must work from home if you can.
Only essential shops will remain open.
Barbers, hairdressers, gyms, salons or anything that is deemed to require ‘Close Contact’ will remain closed.
Schools will remain open but operate under the social distancing guidelines already in place.
Hospitality establishments in general will be forced to close with the exception of takeaway services.
Essential child care or caring for the vulnerable is still allowed if deemed essential.
As England gets closer to the end of a national lockdown on 2nd December and infection rates still seem to be spreading in certain areas - it is highly possible that lockdown restrictions may be extended closer to the Christmas period.
