New COVID restrictions in Scotland: An 80% increase in those in hospital with COVID, more deaths this week thanin the last 14 weeks. Geographic and demographic spread with greatest spread in the central belt but are rising across Scotland.

New COVID cases growing by around 7% each day, without action we are likely to return to peak level of infections we had in spring by the end of the month. There will be at time lag in any measures taken and its impact on cases.

So the restrictions on household visits wont be reflected in case numbers. However, it is clear extra measures must be taking NOW to prevent harm to us all. All different harms must be considered, harm to ppl from the virus must be balanced by harm to economy, and further health.

Targeted approaches to prevent spread while economy can stay open. People NOT being asked to return to shielding but those who did should be extra careful especially in the central belt.

This friday, from 6pm, for 16 days, pubs bars restaurant and cafes can only operate between 6am-6pm and can not serve alcohol. 6/2 rule applies.

In the 5 central belt health boards, all hospitality is to close. Cafes which dont have an alcohol licence will be able to stay open to support socialisation. Contact sports suspended. Indoor group exercise banned. Outdoor live events banned.

In the 5 central belt health boards, you must only use public transport is absolutely necessary.

Holidays that are booked can go ahead, but do not travel outside your health board unless absolutely needed.

In the hospitality industry: these setting present high risk, more than 20% of people contacted by track and trace visited hospitality venues - so this is an increase risk activity.

16 day restrictions will restrict the ability for the virus to transmit household to household.

Coupled with the ban on household visiting, these restrictions remove the ability of the virus to spread from households to households which is needed atm to prevent further health and economic harm.

The scot gov will immediately make available 40mill to support businesses who are affected by restrictions. Scot gov will discuss with buisnesses how to mitigate some or all of the wage contribution the UK furlough scheme demands.

Fundamentally compliance is needed, the next 2 weeks compliance with the rules is paramount to prevent further harm.

Over the next 2 weeks regulations will be introduced to expand mandatory mask used inside workplaces etc.

Support for those self isolating, new enshrinement for self isolation in legislation.

Return to 2m physical distancing, one way systems etc will return and be put in law.

Testing program and capacity to be expanded to those who are not symptomatic.

New strategic framework to be brought in, will be debated in Scot Parl and voted on.

While new measures are restrictive and unwelcome, we are attempting to reduce the likelihood of a 2nd lockdown. Schools and unis/colleges to stay open.

New restrictions are designed to be short, sharp, to reduce the spread, the next 16 days is absolutely critical to prevent a second lockdown and to keep businesses and education open over the winter.

Usual spiel applies: FACTS, clean hands, 2M distance, test and isolate. No household visits.

Frankly I expected more restrictive measures than this.