Coronavirus: Fife 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.
Fife was moved from Level 2 to Level 3 only last week to tackle a rise in positive COVID tests.
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Hide AdIt will remain there until the next review – and Fifers must not travel outwith their own region unless there are exceptional circumstances.
It was one of 19 local authority areas which saw no change, but Ms Sturgeon said the region was making progress, albeit the position remained “fragile.”
Two areas moved 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.
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Hide AdMs 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.
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Hide AdNicola Sturgeon’s announcement came as parts of Scotland were escalated to Level 4 which brings the toughest restrictions.
She said the measures were designed to give some “limited and careful” easing of the rules over the Christmas period.
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.
A number have already simply closed until the region returns to Level 2.
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Hide AdSocialising 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..
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Hide AdGyms are also impacted as indoor exercise will be limited to individual workouts.