Lockdown restrictions tightened in Glasgow and surrounding areas after coronavirus spike

Coronavirus restrictions on visiting other households have been implemented in Glasgow and some of the surrounding areas after a spike in Covid-19 cases.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced the tightening of Covid restrictions as the government was "particularly concerned with the level of Covid in three areas", including the city of Glasgow, west Bartonshire and east Renfrewshire.

The restrictions started from midnight on Tuesday and will be in place for two weeks - though this will be reviewed after a week.

Ms Sturgeon said: "We have decided to take the following action from midnight tonight if you live in local authority areas of East Renfrewshire, the City of Glasgow or western Bartonshire you should not host people from other households in your home and you shouldn't visit other people's homes."

Scotland's first minister added that the transmission of the virus "seems to be happening inside peoples homes rather than in pubs and restaurants".

A return to schools is also not responsible, she added.

She said: "If these numbers continue but this is the fear if they rise further, more people will fall ill with Covid and more people will end up in hospital we'll also see growing pressure in our test and protect teams which traces contact for each person with Covid and are absolutely vital in our battle to keep it under control." 

"And we could if we don't stem this tide see the virus run out of control again," Ms Sturgeon added.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the rules will be in force for two weeks. Credit: Andrew Milligan/PA

In a Twitter thread outlining the new lockdown measures around Glasgow and western parts of Scotland, Ms Sturgeon said: “I know how difficult this will be – I am a Glasgow resident so these rules apply to me too – but they are essential to, I hope, nip this in bud and avoid tougher restrictions.

“Please – in every part of Scotland – stick to the #FACTS rules. That is vital to keep this virus under control.”

The First Minister said cases in west Dunbartonshire are now almost 33 per 100,000 people, 22 per 100,000 in Gasgow and 19 in east Renfrewshire.

Exceptions to the new regulations are that extended households can continue arrangements they had before within a ‘bubble’ - including single parents and partners who don’t live together.

Informal childcare arrangements for key workers will also be allowed, meaning grandparents can still look after children.