Talk of a temporary 'circuit break' lockdown in Scotland has been on the cards for a while following a dramatic surge in coronavirus cases.
It was first mentioned earlier this month by experts who suggested that it would slow the spread of Covid-19 and help NHS Test and Protect.
Scotland’s national clinical director Jason Leitch said the temporary shutdown could be "part of the answer" - but that is was a “very difficult balance” to decide whether it would be the right move.
Nicola Sturgeon has not ruled out a circuit breaker - and it was also mentioned in a leaked Scottish Government document about possible lockdown options.
But what exactly is a circuit breaker lockdown - and how will it impact everyday life?
The idea is that a 'circuit breaker' would target areas with local outbreaks and high coronavirus rates, while avoiding a full national lockdown.
The shutdown could last two or three weeks and would aim to break the chain of coronavirus spreading through the population.
One date mentioned in Scotland is the October school holidays.
It would go further than a local lockdown and ban households from mixing and the closure of pubs and restaurants.
Entertainment venues such as cinemas and visitor attractions including museums could also close down.
Interventions could include schools shutting, as well as further and higher education being restricted to “remote learning only”.
It could also mean limits on travel nationwide with the message reverted back to all but essential travel.
A circuit breaker could also involve a message to “avoid” public transport and restrict visits to care homes and hospitals.
However, there is an argument that this could be devastating to the economy cause mass unemployment, especially within the hospitality industry.
Those against the idea of the circuit breaker are also arguing that the government would have to provide specific funding packages for those affected if venues close.
