Nicola Sturgeon extends Scottish lockdown until at least the end of February

Nicola Sturgeon has confirmed that the Scottish lockdown will be extended until at least the end of February in Parliament this afternoon.

The first minister said that average daily cases of Covid in Scotland have halved in the last three weeks, to confirm that the lockdown measures are working.

If the progress continues, Nicola Sturgeon remains optimistic of a gradual easing of restrictions from the start of March.

Sturgeon confirmed however to remain cautious, indicating that the new variant of the virus is responsible for 73 per cent of the new cases in Scotland.

Over 610,000 doses of the vaccination have been given in Scotland, with all those over the age of 70 and most vulnerable members of society to be vaccinated by the middle of February.

The first minister said, “This progress is down to compliance with the lockdown restrictions” and  “that means that if we were to ease restrictions too quickly, there is a real risk that infections would rise again very quickly”.

Following the February half term, there will be a phased return to school, week commencing 22nd February.

Nicola Sturgeon confirms she intends to introduce a “managed quarantine requirement” for anyone who arrives directly into Scotland, regardless of which country they have come from. This goes further than the UK quarantine rules, with more information on this available soon.

More information can be found on the restrictions can be found here.

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