Scotland to enter a five-level Coronavirus alert system

The Scottish system, which has two more tiers that the current three-tier system in England, will come into force next month.

The system will move from 0 to 4, with level 0 being “the closest to normality that we think we can safely get to,” according to Sturgeon. At this level, hospitality businesses will be able to trade, although some time restrictions may apply, and up to eight people from three households will be permitted to meet indoors.

At level 1, indoor meetings will be reduced to six people from two households, with hospitality businesses able to trade under the same restrictions as level 0.

At level 2, restrictions will reflect those currently in place outside of the central belt, with a ban on gatherings inside homes, a curfew placed on hospitality and alcohol sales only permitted with a main meal when consumed indoors.

At level 3, both indoor and outdoor alcohol sales will be banned, and whilst food sales will be allowed within certain times, the level of restrictions will mean much of hospitality will be forced to close completely.

Level 4 will see a complete shutdown in hospitality and non-essential retail, although six people from up to two households will still be able to meet outdoors.

Across all five levels, businesses required to close by law will be eligible for grants of either £2,000 or £3,000, depending on rateable value, for every four weeks that they have to remain closed.

Businesses able to open but unable to trade normally will be eligible for grants of £1,400 or £2,100 for every four weeks that restrictions are in place, also dependent on rateable value.

The new system will come into force on 2 November.

“We must strike the best balances we can in the interests of minimising the overall harm that the pandemic is causing, not just in Scotland but in countries across the world,” said Sturgeon.

“It is important to stress this fact, if we allow the virus to run out of control, all of the other harms I have talked about will be exacerbated. They will be made worse.

“Everything we do must be consistent with suppressing COVID as far as we possibly can.”

Earlier this week Sturgeon said there was 'cautious optimism' that the current restrictions in Scotland were having an effect.