Sturgeon extends 'rule of six' on social gatherings to Scotland
Speaking during First Minister's Questions earlier today (10 September), Sturgeon said the laws around the new limit - which will apply to groups visiting pubs and restaurants - will come into force on Monday (14 September).
Although she also added that people should comply with them immediately.
It comes after Prime Minster Boris Johnson confirmed yesterday afternoon (9 September) that social gatherings of more than six people in England will be, with some exemptions, banned from Monday, as fears of a second Coronavirus wave across the country grow.
Until now, eight people from three households had been allowed to meet indoors in Scotland, and up to 15 from five households outdoors.
This will change to six people from two household, and will apply across both indoor and outdoor settings including in pubs and restaurants.
However, unlike the 'rule of six' announced for England, children under the age of 12 in Scotland will not count towards the total.
According to the First Minister, latest estimates show the R value in Scotland - the average number of people infected by each person with the virus - could be around 1.5.
Confirming the new rules, Sturgeon said: "We have concluded that it is necessary to tighten some existing restrictions, to help curb the spread of the virus especially between and within households.
"As of now, up to eight people from three households can meet indoors. Larger outdoor gatherings are also permitted.
"I can confirm that we intend to change this, so that a maximum of six people from two households will now be permitted to meet together."
"To help reduce transmission - but also simplify the rules as much as possible - this new limit will apply both indoors, in houses, in pubs and restaurants, and also outdoors including in private gardens."
