Scotland Launches Consultation of 5-Tiered Framework of CCP Virus Lockdown

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon wears a protective face covering as she arrives for First Minister's Questions at the Scottish Parliament, in Edinburgh, Scotland, on Oct. 8, 2020. (Jeff J Mitchell/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Scotland may introduce a 5-tiered framework of CCP virus lockdown levels from Nov. 2, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said.

Sturgeon on Friday announced the Strategic Framework (pdf) to start a consultation process on ways to bring the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus under control.

"In the coming days we will listen to views from stakeholders on any suggested changes they might have or how they would like to see the plan implemented," she said.

The framework will be debated and voted on in Scottish Parliament on Tuesday, and takes effect on Nov. 2 if it's passed in Parliament.

Sturgeon said the three middle levels of intervention resemble the three-tiered system in England, with one more level added to either side.

At a baseline level, or Level 0, eight people from three households will be allowed to meet indoor, and most businesses will be open, Sturgeon said.

At Level 1, only six people from two households can meet indoor.

Indoor gatherings of different households will be banned for Level 2 and Level 3. Hospitality businesses will face limitations at Level 2, and be mostly closed at Level 3.

Level 4 will see a near full lockdown of Scotland. All non-essential businesses will be forced to close, but six people from two households can still meet outdoor.

Levels of areas will be reviewed on a weekly basis.

Sturgeon said she will keep schools open and "seek to keep manufacturing and construction businesses open."

Currently in Scotland, restrictions similar to Level 3 apply across the central belt, while restrictions similar to Level 2 apply to areas outside the central belt.

In England, Greater Manchester went into Tier 3 lockdown at midnight last night. People can not socialise with anyone outside of their households and support bubbles. Pubs and bars not serving substantial meals, casinos, bingo halls, betting shops, adult gaming centres, and soft play centres are not allowed to open.

South Yorkshire will also be under Tier 3 lockdown from Saturday.

Wales will enter a two-week “fire-break” lockdown from 6 p.m. on Friday. All non-essential shops will be shut along with all restaurants and pubs, and people will be banned from meeting people outside of their household both indoors and outdoors.

Northern Ireland entered its four-week circuit-breaker lockdown last Friday. Pubs and restaurants are closed during the four weeks, and schools will close for two weeks from Monday.

Simon Veazey contributed to this report.