A RAFT of new restrictions are being brought in to contain an alarming rise in coronavirus cases across Scotland.
As well as a stay at home order being in place from midnight for the rest of January and school closures until February, other curbs are being introduced including on outdoor gatherings.
From tomorrow the number of people allowed to meet up outdoors will be reduced to two from two households, from six to two households. The limit will not apply to children of 11, but will for those of 12 to 17.
A return to the 2m social distancing rule for people in workplace canteens is being brought in from this Friday, while new guidance will be issued for people who are shielding with groups advised that if you cannot work from home, you should not go into work at all.
Further changes are also being brought in from this Friday.
Churches will not be allowed to open from the end of the week for the rest of the month and funeral wakes will not be permitted.
"It is with real regret that we consider it necessary for places of worship to close during this period for all purposes except broadcasting a service, or conducting a funeral or wedding. I am well aware of how important communal worship is to people.
"But we believe that this restriction is necessary to reduce the risk of transmission," the First Minister told Holyrood.
"While up to 20 people will still be able to attend funeral services, wakes will not be possible during January. And a maximum of five people will be able to attend wedding and civil partnership services."
She also said that more businesses would be required to close in level 4, which currently applies across all of mainland Scotland.
"The Economy Secretary will be speaking to business organisations about this, including this afternoon. We will also engage with unions on these issues. And we will continue to consider if more regulatory action is required," she said.
"I know how devastating restrictions like these are and I give an assurance that we will not keep them in place for longer than is absolutely necessary.
"There will also be additional measures in relation to businesses, in addition to the tightening of the essential retail definition that took effect from Boxing Day.
"The current 1 metre exemption for workplace canteens will end – so canteens will have to ensure that employees sit 2 metres or more apart, rather than 1 metre. "
And she also announced that certain premises could open will now have to close.
"Premises which will need to close as a result of these changes will include, for example ski centres, showrooms of larger retailers, and clinics offering cosmetic and aesthetic procedures," she said.
As well as the new restrictions a travel ban both in and out of Scotland to other parts of the UK and Irelalnd, and a ban of travel to different council areas remains in place.
The First Minister made the announcement to a recalled Holyrood.
This is just the fifth time Parliament has been recalled and the second time within the last four weeks, after it sat on December 30 to consider the post-Brexit EU trade deal
Previously, it was convened after the deaths of Donald Dewar in October 2000 and the Queen Mother in April 2002.
It was also reconvened following the release of Abdelbaset al-Megrahi, in 2009.
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