Extension to Scottish lockdown

The lockdown in Scotland has been extended until at least the middle of February, it was announced this week.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon warned that the transmission of the virus appeared to be declining but was still too high to ease restrictions.

The current restrictions, which have brought with them the closure of non-essential shops and a “stay at home” message put down in law, had been due to expire at the end of this month.

Ms Sturgeon told MSPs that lockdown was “beginning to have an impact” on the number of new infections, but that the country remained in a “very precarious position”.

She added: “We need to be realistic that any improvement we are seeing is down, at this stage, to the fact that we are staying at home and reducing our interactions.

“Any relaxation of lockdown while case numbers, even though they might be declining, nevertheless remain very high, could quickly send the situation into reverse.”

Can I still trade?

In short, yes! Takeaways in Scotland can still operate by serving through a hatch or the front door and of course, delivery is still allowed. It’s speculated that the changes were made due to the number of people queuing for takeaway collections without wearing a mask.

Guidance for the hospitality sector in Scotland can be viewed here. If you have any further questions, please give us a call on 0300