Chamber and committees

Amendments to the Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions and Requirements) (Local Levels) (Scotland) Regulations 2020 have been laid before the Scottish Parliament today. These amendments come into force at 6 am on Friday 13 November to change the current allocation of levels to different areas of Scotland. Fife, Angus and Perth & Kinross local government areas will be moved from Level 2 to Level 3 as a result of the most recent data. No other changes will be made to the allocation of levels. The amendments will also adjust the social gathering rules in respect of the Orkney Islands, Shetland Islands and Na h-Eileanan Siar, to permit in-home socialising, subject to the general rule of no more than 6 people from 2 households. For Level 0 areas, the number of people aged under 18 who are permitted to gather in an outdoor public place will be reduced from 15 to 8. Further amendments are made to put aspects of the levels-based approach into law, rather than relying on guidance alone, and to create a new exemption and requirements in relation to the wearing of a face covering. A change is also made to prohibit the sale of alcohol in hotels in level 3 areas, unless this is provided as room service. Finally, miscellaneous amendments are made to correct errors and to ensure consistency. As with previous regulations, the Scottish Ministers will keep the necessity and proportionality of these measures under regular review and will keep Parliament updated.