Coronavirus: Falkirk to remain in level three of lockdown restrictions, says First Minister

The Scottish Cabinet decided against changing the region’s pandemic restriction levels at its meeting this week.

Falkirk will continue to operate under the Level 3 restrictions which came into effect on November 2.

It will remain there until the next weekly review – and people must not travel outwith their own region unless there are exceptional circumstances.

It was one of 19 local authority areas which saw no change.

Two move down from Level 3 to Level 2, but eleven local authorities went up from Level 3 to Level 4.

Level 4 restrictions will be in place for 3 weeks - and will be lifted on December 11.

Ms Sturgeon said: “We must get through the next few months as safely as possible and that means tough decisions.

"Level 4 is intended to be short and sharp. In this situation, it is specifically intended to have an impact in advance of Christmas and the most challenging winter period"

“ To underline how important this is, I can confirm that the guidance that has been in place in recent weeks will become law from Friday.

“This is a big step. That means people living in Level 3 or Level 4 must not travel outside their own council area, except for certain essential purposes.

Under Level 3, the biggest impact will continue to be on the struggling hospitality sector with pubs banned from selling alcohol, and facing a closing time of 6:00pm.

Forth Valley community warden cuts leave people with 'no-one to turn...

Socialising is prohibited, barring some exceptions including caring for a vulnerable person.

Outdoor groups in public places are limited to six people from two households.

Drive-in events will no longer be permitted, and cinemas, arcades and bingo halls will also be shut..

Gyms are also impacted as indoor exercise will be limited to individual workouts.

Thank you for reading this article on our free-to-read website. We're more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by Coronavirus impacts our advertisers.

Please consider purchasing a subscription to our print newspaper to help fund our trusted, fact-checked journalism.

https://www.localsubsplus.co.uk/nord/dm/FKH/V