New coronavirus lockdown restrictions in Glasgow, East Renfrewshire and West Dunbartonshire

Nicola Sturgeon has imposed new lockdown restrictions on Glasgow, West Dunbartonshire and East Renfrewshire following a rise in cases.

From midnight on Wednesday, visiting other households for indoor gatherings will not be allowed in the three local authority areas.

The new rules affect more than 800,000 people.

Exceptions can be made in the case of emergencies or the care of a vulnerable person.

Those living alone will still be allowed to visit their extended households.

The restrictions will be in place for a minimum of two weeks and will be reviewed in seven days.

Pubs, restaurants and gyms will remain open.

The First Minister said that it was believed the virus was “spreading primarily as a result of household gatherings.”

She added: “You should not host people from other households in your home, and you should not visit someone else’s home, no matter where that is.”

2. People living in Glasgow City, East Renfrewshire and West Dunbartonshire Councils should not visit other people’s houses (wherever they are). Exceptions are emergencies, caring for vulnerable people or people in ‘extended households’…/

— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) September 1, 2020

4. Indoor visits to hospitals and care homes in these areas will be limited to essential visitors only. Outdoor visits to care homes can continue…/

— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) September 1, 2020

6. Please – in every part of Scotland – stick to the #FACTS rules. That is vital to keep this virus under control.

— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) September 1, 2020

Under the new restrictions, hospital visits will also be reduced to those that are essential only, and care home visits will have to be outside.

Those who have been in the shielding category have been told to be “extra vigilant”.

66 positive cases in the Greater Glasgow and Clyde area were recorded in the past 24 hours.

Covid-19 cases are at almost 33 per 100,000 in West Dunbartonshire, 22 per 100,000 in Glasgow and 19 per 100,000 in East Renfrewshire.

Ms Sturgeon said that she hoped the measures would help curb the spread of the virus, but would not rule out further restrictions at a future date.

She said: “These are decisions that have not been taken lightly.

“They form guidance at the moment but we will consider if necessary putting them into regulation and giving them the force of law.

“I cannot rule out if we don’t see these measures working and being effective, that we may have to go further.

“However, it is hoped that by acting quickly in this preventative way, we can avoid having to take further action or imposing any further restrictions later on.”