A leaked document appears to reveal a range of options being considered by Nicola Sturgeon's government to bring coronavirus infections under control.
The First Minister used her daily virus briefing today to explain she would lay out a "package of restrictions" later this week in the Scottish Parliament.
It comes amid warning the UK is at a "critical point" as the number of new infections each day increases rapidly.
Among a number of measures being considered, the "sensitive document", seen by the Daily Record, lists school closures during the half term as possible "circuit break" options.
Government could also convey a "general message" telling Scots to stay at home, the document said.
But the newspaper reported that whilst it is understood a number of the options remain on the table, many of those listed were considered last week and ruled out.
A screengrab of the document was posted on Twitter as a Scottish Government paper.
Scientists from the UK Government's Sage committee suggested a temporary lockdown , branded a "circuit break", could help curb transmission whilst minimising the broader impact.
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One of the ideas suggested was a two week lockdown during the October school holidays, or during the Christmas period where tight restrictions would be introduced for a time limited period.
The paper leaked online stated that a “circuit break” could either be a “fixed, standardised 2-week period” across Scotland, or a “rolling” circuit break.
It noted: "we will need to specify what happens within the 'circuit break'", but said it could include schools closing for half term, further and higher education being restricted to “remote learning only”, and the closure of hospitality business.
The document continued: “General message to stay at home as much as possible..”
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Also listed were options such as travel restrictions including a message to "avoid public transport", and the closure of hospitality businesses.
Asked about the document at her briefing, Nicola Sturgeon said she would not comment: “I’ve heard about the screen grab. I’m not going to comment on leaked documents, whether they are genuine or not. What I would say is that any responsible Government right now would be looking at a whole range of different options.”
