Covid-19 restrictions to remain in place

FIRST minister Nicola Sturgeon has confirmed that Covid-19 restrictions imposed three weeks ago, which included a ban on visiting households, will remain in place.

She added that another 1,351 new cases of Covid-19 were recorded in Scotland on Wednesday.

Sturgeon added that 13 deaths were also registered.

The first minister gave an update on Covid-19 restrictions on Thursday afternoon.

“We will keep the situation under review and propose further measures if we consider that necessary to keep people safe,” Sturgeon said.

She warned, however, that “this is a critical moment and our position is precarious”.

Sturgeon also confirmed that a new strategic framework on restrictions will be published before going in front of the Scottish Parliament. This would include different tiers or levels for areas of the country.

The first minister added that rules were due to come into force tomorrow (Friday) on the wearing of face coverings in workplace canteens.

Face coverings will need to be worn in other communal workplace areas such as corridors from Monday.

“The responsibility for complying with these measures rests with individuals,” Sturgeon said.

“However I would urge employers to take steps in their workplaces to explain and promote the new regulations.”

Exemptions on face coverings will be brought in for couples getting married at a wedding or during their civil partnership ceremony.