BREAKING: North-east moving to level three coronavirus restrictions

The north-east is moving into level three coronavirus restrictions, the first minister has confirmed.

The tightened rules will come into force on Friday - due to a rise in coronavirus cases.

Nicola Sturgeon says that in Aberdeen, case numbers have increased by more than 50% in the last week, while case positivity has also risen - and the numbers in Aberdeenshire have also gone up.

The first minister says the restrictions will be reviewed again next week.

She told parliament: "I can confirm that Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire will also move from level 2 to level 3 from Friday.

"We have been monitoring the situation in both these areas, as I have reported to Parliament, very closely and have concluded that tougher restrictions do now need to be applied.

"In the last week alone, case numbers in Aberdeen City have increased by more than 50% - from 76 cases per 100,000, to 122. Case positivity has also increased from 3.9% to 6.1%.

The increase in Aberdeenshire has not been quite as sharp as in the city but case there are still rising.

"It is therefore our judgment that level 3 restrictions are necessary to bring the situation in both Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire back under control.

"I know that the move to level 3 for East Lothian, Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire – and the continuation of level 3 in many other areas - involves real and continued difficulties for many people and for many businesses as well, particularly in the hospitality sector.

"However these measures are in our view essential to get and keep the virus under control.

"It is also worth pointing out that we are not alone in Scotland in facing these challenges just now.

"In large parts of England, hospitality is closed completely. And the whole of Wales is now under restrictions similar to our level 3.

"Further afield, many countries across Europe are re-imposing lockdowns as the winter months start to take their toll.

"However, I know that brings no comfort to those directly affected, so it is essential that government continues to do all we can to provide support.

"In addition to existing packages of support, the Finance Secretary set out last week a further package of business support, which is intended to provide extra help over the winter, and I would encourage all eligible businesses to make full use of it."