Strictest lockdown restrictions are implemented in Scotland. Higher authorities are thinking to place most of the country’s Tier-four system to a five-tier lockdown.
This immediate move came after the Christmas holiday when the government gives some privileges to the citizens.
Important Differences of the 0-tier system to high-tier lockdown system in Scotland
Normal Routine (0-Level Tier System)
- Shops stay open
- A group of eight people can do an indoor meeting (people from three households are allowed to meet)
- An outdoor meeting of fifteen people is allowed (gathering of five households.)
Medium Rules (Level 1)
- Indoor meeting restrictions on households vary according to the condition of the area
- In some parts of the country, a group of six people is allowed to do an indoor meeting (from two households)
- Shops follow some certain timetable
High Restrictions (Level 2)
- No indoor meetings of households are allowed
- Essential shops (such as grocery shops) will stay open for a certain time
- For hospitality settings and an outdoor meeting, six people from two households are allowed
- Pubs, bars, and restaurants will only stay open until 08:00PM and they are permitted to sell alcohol
Very High Restrictions (Level 3)
- Alcohol sell are permitted for outdoor and indoor gatherings
- Indoor meetings of households are permitted
- Cafes, pubs, and restaurants are allowed to open until 6PM and they can serve food (under great hygiene) and non-alcoholic drinks.
- Other essential shops stay open till 8PM
- Not any outdoor meeting is allowed
Strict Lockdown (Level 4)
- Some business outdoor meetings are allowed (not more than 6 people)
- All non-essential shops, gyms, swimming, and hospitality centres stay close. The country will experience a complete lockdown the same as the UK experienced in March.
- Schools will open and follow strict restrictions
What is the level of Covid restrictions in your area?
Scotland is now experiencing the strict Covid restrictions started from 26th December and will stay the same for the next three weeks. Complete mainland Scotland is now experiencing a higher level of restrictions and currently in tier-four lockdown. On the other hand, Shetland, the Highlands, Orkney, some islands in Bute & Argyll, and the western isle are currently in level three. Coll, Ulva, Mull, Jula, Islay, Tiree, Erraid, and Colonsay are in tier-two lockdown system.
Rules for pubs & restaurants in different tier-systems
All pubs and restaurants of mainland Scotland will stay close until the next order. They are still allowed to serve takeaways and delivery.
Pubs and restaurants are allowed to open in a level three-tier system but they cannot sell alcoholic drinks. It is mandatory on all premises that all pubs and restaurants should be closed until 18:00GMT. Six people of two different households are allowed to meet in hospitality venues (either it is an indoor meeting or an outdoor).
For food delivery, customers must have to provide their contact info, in case the delivery man fails to find their traces. It is compulsory for every restaurant to maintain the hygiene of their food delivery service. It is mandatory for the delivery man to wear the mask and use hand sanitizer.
It is compulsory for the staff to wear masks and hand sanitizer, they are not allowed to take off their masks even at table service.
More about coronavirus condition in Scotland
Lockdown rules for travelling in Scotland
Under the three and four Tier system, people are prohibited to travel outside their local area but if they want to, there should be some important reason for it. There are exceptions in this tier law that include going for grocery, essential shopping, visiting someone in your nearby household, travelling for work, educational purpose, and healthcare responsibilities.
Travelling authorities has called it illegal to travel from Scotland to the UK unless there is some essential business. The Scottish Government has passed this law that means no more foreign travels. Tier-four lockdown means Scottish nationals are not allowed for any in and out travel until the next order.
How to meet with family and friends?
Tier-four and three lockdown restrictions, all kinds of indoor meetings are prohibited from other households. This restriction was previously erased in some areas that are still in Tier-one lockdown.
The Scottish Government has given some exceptions to these restricted rules. People with extended households and the one with childcare support arrangements and divorced couples are allowed for indoor meetings.
There is also an exception for the people who come to your house for work (such as chefs, maids, and nurses for medical conditions). A group of max six people from two different households are allowed to meet in an outdoor meeting. They are allowed to arrange their hospitality settings at parks and beaches.
There are also some exceptions to this rule. Children under the age of 12 are exempt from the list of the number of six people who are allowed to gather for an outdoor meeting. There is also no need for them to do social distancing because parents must have to be around their toddlers.
Children under the age of 12 from 17 are allowed to play in a group of six. They can meet up in parks and private gardens but necessary for them to follow physical social distancing.
Police have some special powers and they can stop student accommodation parties and break the groups of more than 15 people for indoor meetings.
Other Lockdown Rules in Scotland
Under tier-four, all non-essential shops will stay close until the next order from the Scottish Government but will stay open in level three restrictions. Probably the Scottish Government has narrowed the definition of house retail shops that mean houseware shops and garden centres also stay close.
In indoor communal meetings (such as backdoor canteens and workplace corridors), it is compulsory for everyone to wear a mask and practice social distancing.
Wearing a mask is also compulsory in trains, on buses, in shops, on planes, and in taxes. People are not allowed to use the vehicles of another household. If there is an emergency and you have no other option then wear a mask and gloves, keep the window open of your side, and stay far from other people as possible.
In Tier-four indoor worship meetings are limited to 20 people and the same limit goes for weddings, funerals, and wakes. However, in level four civil partnerships and weddings are strictly prohibited.
Places with Tier-three restrictions are allowed to gather in a group of 50 people in the places of worship. There is a limit of 20 people for weddings, civil partnerships, wakes, receptions, and gatherings.
Schools are closed from the Christmas holiday and will open on January 11, 2021. Pupils in senior secondary schools are advised to wear a face covering shields in their classes too. Students in colleges and universities must practice blended learning.
Driving institutions will stay open in level three areas but remain close in Tier-four areas until the next order.
Stay connected with the UK Times for further updates about Covid-19.
