NICOLA Sturgeon will update Scotland on each area’s coronavirus restriction level in Holyrood this afternoon.
The First Minister is set to present her weekly update from the Parliament, in which all 11 level 4 areas are set to be moved down.
Last week there were no changes to the levels in each local authority area but the First Minister gave a warning regarding infection rates in level 2 Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.
She said residents could expect to hear more information at today’s update after local health bodies looked into outbreaks in those areas.
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The First Minister will address the Scottish Parliament at about 2.15pm. Viewers will be able to tune in via the Scottish Parliament website and the major news broadcasters, while The National will be reporting on all the major changes.
The First Minister has said it is “likely” for areas currently into level 4 to be put into level 3 from Friday.
Two million Scots are currently living under level 4 restrictions – under which non-essential shops, hospitality and close-contact services have been shut since November 20.
Speaking at yesterday’s briefing Sturgeon said: “Decisions will be based on the spread of the virus in each area, the need to protect NHS capacity and will take account of the social and economic harms coming from the restrictions.
“Part of the wider context means taking account of the upcoming Christmas period and the challenges that it will inevitably pose. So when deciding on the levels which will keep the virus suppressed through that period we continue to take a cautious and careful approach.”
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Under level 3 restrictions hospitality venues can reopen, but must close by 6pm and not serve alcoholic drinks.
People are not permitted to visit or host other households in their home and outdoor meetings must include a maximum of six people from two households.
Non-essential retail and close contact services can also resume.
People living in level 3 or 4 areas are not permitted to travel outside of their council area, while those in other parts of the country should not enter those areas.
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