Scotland is being plunged back into a tougher lockdown to deal with soaring levels of COVID-19 infection.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced the harsher measures in an emergency statement at the Scottish Parliament, telling the public to "stay at home".
She said: "The Cabinet met this morning to assess the up-to-date COVID situation - which is extremely serious - and discuss what further action is necessary to minimise further spread of the virus.
"I will set out our decisions shortly. However, I can confirm now, in summary, that we decided to introduce from midnight tonight, for the duration of January, a legal requirement to stay at home except for essential purposes.
"This is similar to the lockdown of March last year."
NHS capacity is already beginning to strain at some health boards, the First Minister said, with NHS Ayrshire and Arran currently at 96 per cent capacity, while Borders, Greater Glasgow and Clyde and Lanarkshire are above 60 per cent.
The rules on outdoor gatherings will change from tomorrow to a maximum of two people from two households. Children aged 11 and under do not count as part of that number.
From Friday, places of worship will close unless it is to broadcast a service or conduct a wedding, civil partnership or funeral.
Schools will remain closed until February at least.
