Lanarkshire will enter into a new tier this Friday the First Minister has confirmed.
Speaking at her daily briefing Nicola Sturgeon will place the county into Level 3, after three weeks in the toughest level 4 restrictions.
The First Minister confirmed there had been 90 new cases of Covid-19 in Lanarkshire reported overnight, with 692 reported overall.
A total of 983 people are in hospital being treated for the virus throughout the country, while 57 people remain in intensive care.
Speaking at today’s briefing she said: “All 11 areas in Scotland on Level 4 have shown a decrease.
“Given the welcome decrease, I can confirm these areas will exit level 4 on Friday.
“We do hope to see case numbers continue to decline for another week or so but I would take this opportunity to continue to exercise care and caution and continue to abide by the rules.”
The First Minister said case numbers in North and South Lanarkshire during level 4 have fallen by well over a third.
Travel restrictions will still not be permitted between areas in Level 3.
Lanarkshire will enter back into Level 3 on Friday at 6pm which means hairdressers, gyms, bars and indoor entertainment and restaurants can begin trading again under the current restrictions tier 3 carries with it. However, retail shops can open from 6am on Friday.
The news comes as the first Scots received the new Covid-19 vaccination in a landmark moment after the country was plunged into lockdown nine months ago.
Frontline health workers were given vaccines at 23 sites across Scotland under the initial phase of a national programme which will eventually see millions of people protected against coronavirus.
