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Daily Record
Daily Record
Politics
Andy Philip

All level 3 lockdown rules explained as council areas in Scotland move into higher tier

Scotland's lockdown levels officially change today, including the lifting of all severe level 4 rules.

It means more than two million people who'd been in the top tier will now get access to more shops, hospitality and gyms.

Glasgow and 10 neighbouring council areas had been in level 4 for three weeks.

Tougher retail rules end at 6am in those areas, with the rest of the guidelines changing to the lower level 3 restrictions from 6pm.

Here we look at what the changes mean, what you can and what you cannot do.

Glasgow and 10 neighbouring councils will move out of level four from today (Getty Images)

Can I go to the pub?

Yes, but don't get too excited. No alcohol can be served in level 3 areas.

What are the rules for hospitality?

Restaurants, cafes, pubs and bars can open indoors and outdoors for food and non alcoholic drinks. Last entry is 5pm and all venues must be closed and customers off the premises by 6pm.

The rule of six people from two separate households applies in hospitality as it does in outdoor public places.

Children under the age of 12 don't count towards the maximum number of people.

What shops are opening?

All retail can reopen at level 3, a massive boost for shops which had been forced to close in the crucial run up to Christmas.

Does anything change for socialising?

You can still only meet one other household outside, up to a maximum of six people.

Children under the age of 12 do not count towards the total, and they do not need to maintain physical distance.

What about meeting indoors?

You still cannot meet any other households in a private home at level 3, or even at level 2 and all mainland areas at level 1. But, you are allowed to meet in a public place such as a cafe or restaurant.

The only exception is if you have to go through someone's house to get to their garden. Something the government wants you to do "quickly and without touching anything". And you are allowed to use the toilet, as long as you wash hands thoroughly and use paper or a newly cleaned towel to dry hands.

What does it mean for travel?

The law states you cannot travel into or out of level 3 and 4 council areas without "essential reasons". So, no change there.

What leisure restrictions are in place?

Leisure and entertainment premises stay closed. It's not until level 2 that any real differences are enjoyed. People in level 2 areas can go to the cinema and head to bingo halls.

Can I get a haircut or visit the beauty salon?

Mobile "close contact" services must not operate at level 3 - with the exception of hairdressers and barbers.

But in general, shops can reopen for hair cuts, beauty and nail services, hair removal, tattoos, dress-fitting, massage therapies and spas.

Complementary and alternative medicine services requiring physical contact or close physical proximity between persons can open.

What sports can I take part in or watch?

You can meet other people outdoors, following the rules on household limits, for informal exercise and sport.

Football stadiums were closed to spectators (SNS Group)

Under 18s organised sport is permitted. Organised outdoor non-contact sport, personal training and coaching are also permitted - but outdoor contact sports are not allowed unless its professional.

Sport stadiums remain closed to spectators.

I don’t live in the central belt - so what does it mean for me?

You're in luck. Much of the rest of Scotland has been spared level 4 lockdown and isn't even in level 3, where pubs are still not allowed to sell alcohol.

In much of the north and south, pubs are open with alcohol sales along with food. And in level 1 areas, three households can meet outdoors.

On islands, people can mix with another household in private homes.

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