Scotland has seen a worrying rise in coronavirus cases in the past few weeks - and a circuit breaker is one of the measures that could put a stop to rising numbers.
The country recorded its highest daily Covid cases for a second day in a row yesterday, causing public health experts to weigh up different options, according to reports.
Scotland moved beyond Level 0 on August 9, which saw most legal restrictions eased and a huge step towards normality - apart from face coverings in public places.
But the removal of restrictions on everyday life has sadly caused a rise in cases, hospital figures and intensive care admissions.
During a Scottish Government briefing, Nicola Sturgeon said could not rule out the re-imposition of restrictions to tackle this surge.
It is believed a 'circuit breaker' is being considered - but what exactly is it and how would it work in Scotland?
What is a circuit breaker lockdown?
A circuit-breaker is a set of short, sharp restrictions designed to reverse a spike in infections and bring number of cases down.
The rules could feel a lot like the original national lockdown - but it would only last for a short time, such as a week or fortnight.
Circuit breakers would be less damaging to the economy and people's mental health that a longer lockdown.
However, the numbers would only drop depending on how strict the rules are, how much people stick to them and how they are eventually eased.
A circuit breaker is just one of the options being lined up for Nicola Sturgeon to tackle Scotland's cases.
A source, who has knowledge of government planning, told The Times : “There are two options: You could either put in a circuit breaker, you could shut down completely for a short period.
“Or you could move back through the stages and say we are going to limit indoor gatherings, we are going to re-introduce distancing.”
Other measures being considered include new rules on social distancing and so-called vaccine certificates.
Could Scotland go into another lockdown?
At a government briefing earlier this week the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said some measures could be reimposed if cases don't start to fall.
She warned that the Scottish Government could not rule out reimposing Covid restrictions if cases continue to rise.
It is believed that the most recent lifting of restrictions will be the first to be considered for reversal by SNP ministers.
Sturgeon warned that she doesn't want to go into another lockdown and urged people to take the basic precautions of hygiene, face coverings, staying outdoors, ventilating rooms indoors.
Asked if she favoured a similar approach to New Zealand, which went into lockdown over just one case, she told the PA news agency: “I don’t want to go back to anything like a full lockdown.
“New Zealand is in a very different position – they have Covid cases throughout that have been very, very low, but they also have lower levels of vaccination right now and their borders are still effectively closed.
“They are in a different situation and are therefore dealing with a different reality at the moment.”
She added: “I don’t want to pre-empt any decision that might or might not – and I hope will not – have to be taken about the imposition of the restrictions.
“But if we, all of us, take the basic precautions right now that we know can slow this virus, then I hope no re-imposition of restrictions will be necessary.
“But I also know that no sensible First Minister, in the face of an infectious virus, would rule anything out, because protecting the population has to be the priority.”
