Coronavirus: Maximum size of gatherings in Scotland cut to six

The quantity of individuals allowed to meet up in Scotland has been cut to six amid issues concerning the coronavirus pandemic “accelerating”.

It got here as First Minister Nicola Sturgeon introduced a “tightening and extension” of lockdown guidelines.

Modifications deliberate for subsequent week have been put again till no less than 5 October.

It implies that theatres, stay music venues, indoor delicate play services and indoor contact sports activities for individuals aged over 12 won’t now open subsequent Monday.

The size of teams which might meet in properties, gardens, pubs or eating places has been cut to six individuals from two households.

And spectators will be unable to return to sports activities stadia and different venues over the subsequent three weeks – though two pilot occasions due happen on the weekend will nonetheless occur.

Scotland is at the moment recording thrice extra constructive circumstances of the virus on common every day than it was three weeks in the past – with an extra 161 circumstances being logged on Thursday.

Ms Sturgeon mentioned the unfold of the virus was accelerating – albeit from a low base and never as quickly because it was again in March and April”.

She mentioned this was “not completely surprising” given the current steps to reopen the economic system – however mentioned additional deliberate strikes to raise lockdown had to placed on pause for now.

The primary minister mentioned: “Proper now, given the rise in circumstances, it is the one accountable choice we will attain.”

Ms Sturgeon additionally mentioned the reopening of workplaces and name centres will “positively not happen” earlier than October, saying that “for now, working from dwelling will stay the default place”.

Till now, eight individuals from three households had been allowed to meet indoors in Scotland, with bigger gathering permitted outdoors.

Nonetheless all gatherings will now be cut to a most of six individuals from two households, each at dwelling and in hospitality settings – though kids underneath 12 won’t rely in direction of the restrict.

This matches a transfer introduced earlier for England on Wednesday.

However there shall be “restricted exceptions” for organised sports activities, locations of worship and marriage ceremony and funeral companies – which shall be capped at 20 visitors.

The brand new limits will formally come into power on Monday, though Ms Sturgeon mentioned that she was asking individuals to instantly abide by the stricter new limits on gatherings.