Nicola Sturgeon has said Glasgow could move down to Level Two lockdown if progress in curbing covid continues to be made.
The First Minister today confirmed the city would stay in Level Three due to a rise in infections.
This tier means alcohol cannot be served indoors in pubs and restaurants and meeting in other people’s houses is barred.
Travel in and out the city is also heavily restricted.
Although the First Minister said case levels are “uncomfortably high”, she said there are signs of progress.
She said if incidents continue to stabilise, and hospitalisations remain stable, experts would “support” a move to Level Two from on Saturday
The SNP leader said a decision would be made on whether to move the city down to Level Two by Wednesday at the latest.
In a Scottish Government statement released during the briefing, the First Minister said:
“Case levels in Glasgow are uncomfortably high but there are signs of progress. So the view of the National Incident Management Team is that it would be premature to move Glasgow out of Level 3 this week while the situation remains so fragile. However, if incidence continues to stabilise, and assuming levels of hospitalisation remain reasonably stable, they will support a move to Level 2 from the end of next week.
“Of course, it is necessary that we do see progress continue. We will be watching the critical statistics carefully every day. If the massive public health efforts continue to have an impact; if our collective efforts continue to drive the virus back; then from next Saturday – 5 June – the plan would be for the city to move to Level 2.
“But, I need to be very clear. We need to see the positive signs to continue to make that a reality. To give as much advance notice as possible, I intend to confirm any decision to Parliament no later than Wednesday of next week.
Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) Scotland Policy Chair, Andrew McRae, said: “Glasgow businesses are getting used to these weekly Friday disappointments. This one is all the more galling because it looks like Monday will see Glasgow basking in the sort of gloriously sunny Bank Holiday that could have helped small hospitality operators recoup some of their losses.
“The First Minister did suggest there might be light at the end of the tunnel next week – and breaking the Friday-for-Monday announcement cycle will give business owners a little more notice. It’s very difficult to run a business, or plan your family finances, when you need to tune into the lunchtime news on a Friday to find out if you’ll be working on the Monday."
Do you agree with today's announcement to keep Glasgow in Level Three? Join the conversation in the comments section.
