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.”
The whole of mainland Scotland and Skye was placed into the top tier, level 4, on Boxing Day. Most other islands were left at level 3.
The new strain of COVID-19 has since sent infection levels soaring and prompted a new review of restrictions. Schools have already had term times delayed in Scotland.
