Current lockdown measures will stay in place across mainland Scotland and some island communities until at least the end of February the First Minister has confirmed.
The First Minister said there would be no easing of current restrictions before the end of February at the earliest and would remain unlikely until a critical mass of the population was vaccinated; a sustained reduction in new infections, hospitalisations and deaths was achieved; and more known about new virus variants.
Any easing of restrictions would not be accompanied by relaxation in social distancing, face coverings and other mitigations; and there would also be a clear discouragement of foreign holidays.
Following the statement, UKHospitality Scotland Executive Director Willie Macleod said, “Despite mounting evidence that hospitality businesses are not a major source of infection, the pathway for reopening the sector is no clearer.
“We appreciate that it is not possible for the Scottish Government to give a definitive date upon which businesses may be able to reopen, but we do need to have some understanding of the circumstances which might permit it. Businesses need to plan for their recovery.
“With no easing of restrictions likely to happen soon, support for businesses must be sustained. Many businesses will not be able to survive much longer without substantial financial support. Each business that fails means more jobs lost in Scotland and the task of recovery made all the more difficult.”
