The Scottish government will implement a three-tier framework of Covid-19 restrictions later in October, similar to that being introduced in England.
The announcement comes as Scotland recorded seven new deaths from Covid-19 in the past 24 hours.
This takes the death toll under this measure – of people who first tested positive for the virus within the previous 28 days – to 2,557.
Speaking at the Scottish Government’s daily briefing, the First Minister said 1,297 people have also tested positive in the past 24 hours.
Of the new cases, 419 are in Greater Glasgow and Clyde, 337 in Lanarkshire, 191 in Lothian, and 95 in Ayrshire and Arran.
There are 527 people in hospital confirmed to have the virus, up by 40 in 24 hours.
Of these patients, 35 were in intensive care, down by one.
Labour market and unemployment rate
Addressing the labour market statistics published on Tuesday, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said at her daily briefing they were “concerning”.
According to the new figures, published by the ONS, the unemployment rate north of the border remained at 4.5%.
Ms Sturgeon said that the figures would be much worse had there not been support in place from the Scottish and UK governments.
She added: “The UK Government’s Job Retention Scheme in particular has been really important and of course we still have concerns that the replacement for that scheme which will take effect at the start of November is not comprehensive enough.
“That could lead to a significant rise in unemployment, including in jobs in sectors that, while they may be struggling through Covid, have a good long future.
“The Scottish Government will of course continue to make that case to the UK Government, but just as importantly, we will also continue to provide our own support whenever we have the powers and resources to do so.”
£500 grant for low-income workers
A new grant has been launched aimed at workers on low wages who have been asked to self-isolate.
People on low incomes are able to apply for the £500 support grant which is being administered by the Scottish Welfare Fund.
Social Security Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said self isolation was “essential” to help tackle the virus but also added: “We know being asked to stay at home for up to 14 days can be particularly difficult for those on low income.”
The new grants are open to those eligible who have been self isolating since 28 September.
Circuit break
The “circuit break” lockdown put in place in Scotland last week is “firmly rooted in scientific advice”, Nicola Sturgeon said.
Pointing to guidance published by Sage on Monday night, which showed advisers saying that a short lockdown should be brought in to stem the spread of the virus, the First Minister said: “We’re trying to strike a careful balance but also to make sure that we are doing what is needed to protect the NHS and save lives.”
Last week, the First Minister announced strict measures on hospitality businesses, particularly in the central belt of the country, for just over two weeks, to reduce the number of places where people are meeting and therefore reduce the spread of the virus.
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