Stricter rules on gatherings in Scotland - and face coverings mandatory in pubs

The first minister has announced new restrictions on meetings in Scotland.

As of Monday, people can only meet in groups of up to six people from two different households - both indoors and outdoors - although Nicola Sturgeon is encouraging people to start following the rules from today.

Meanwhile she has confirmed that face coverings are going to become mandatory for both customers and staff in hospitality venues, except when people are eating and drinking. It means people need to cover up as they move around venues or are entering the premises.

Nicola Sturgeon has also confirmed that moves planned to ease restrictions on September 14 will no longer go ahead.

That affects theatres, live music venues and soft play areas, among others.

NEW ROUTE MAP DATES:

Monday September 14

• Revised social gathering rules: 6 people from up to 2 households can meet socially. (Under 12s from the 2 households are not counted within this limit). This applies in all locations – for example at home, in hospitality or outdoors in a park or garden. Limited exemptions apply.
• Attendance limit for weddings, funerals and civil partnerships remains at 20. Receptions and wakes are permitted in regulated settings (e.g. hospitality venues) also with a limit of 20 people. (Social gathering rules apply elsewhere.)
• Face coverings are mandatory in indoor hospitality venues for staff and customers when not eating and drinking (eg when entering a venue). Limited exemptions apply.

Monday October 5 (indicative)

• Indoor sports courts – including skating and dance studios – can be used by adults and young people (12+) for contact sports.
• Soft play (indoor) – following guidance (e.g. no ball pools, enhanced hygiene).
• Certain outdoor live events (e.g. those involving focused standing) – with physical distancing, enhanced hygiene, and restricted numbers – following guidance.
• Certain indoor live events (‘seated’ and ‘ambulant’) – with physical distancing, enhanced hygiene and restricted numbers – following guidance.
• Other indoor entertainment venues – following guidance with physical distancing requirements (e.g. theatres, music venues). Not nightclubs.
• Stadia (limited re-opening) – following guidance (e.g. physical distancing, restricted numbers) – with option for testing on earlier dates.

Will not proceed before the October 1 review

• Non-essential offices and call centres can re-open following implementation of relevant guidance (including on physical distancing). Working from home and working flexibly remain the default.

Await further review

• Certain indoor live events (‘stationary’ – e.g. standing concert) – with physical distancing, enhanced hygiene, and restricted numbers – following guidance.