The information, which has been published as a part of the weekly Covid-19 strategic framework review, sets out data and analysis supporting the decisions made across the country.

On Tuesday, Nicola Sturgeon announced significant lockdown restrictions for 16 different council areas - including the 11 previously in Level 4 - due to a decrease in Covid-19.

Nicola Sturgeon said: "We have had to consider the potential overall impact of moving to a lower level of restrictions at the same time as the Christmas period begins in earnest. That has led us to a proportionate but still cautious set of conclusions.

"And in both North and South Lanarkshire, case numbers have fallen by well over a third. 

"The fall in infection rates in these areas - the most highly populated in the country - have contributed to an improvement in the situation across Scotland as a whole."

She added: "We would hope to see case numbers in these areas continue to decline for another week or so as a result of the level 4 restrictions.  

"However, there is no doubt that the easing of restrictions that the exit from level 4 involves will give the virus more opportunities to spread."

In the document, it makes clear that decisions have to be based firmly in the best available evidence, assessed through a process that is open, transparent and collaborative and frequently reviewed so that restrictions are not kept in place longer than is strictly necessary to achieve the aim of suppressing the virus.

Covid-19 Protection Level 3 rules

Socialising

• No in-home socialising
• 6/2 outdoors and in public places, e.g. hospitality settings i.e. max 6 people from 2 households
• Children under the age of 12 from these households do not count towards the total number of people counted in a gathering.
• Young people aged between 12 and 17 can meet up in groups of up to 6 at a time outdoors and are not subject to the 2 household limit. Physical distancing is required.

​​When you meet people from another household indoors you should:

• Minimise the number of meetings you have with people from other households each day
• Stay at least 2 metres apart from anyone who is not part of your household, unless in a public venue that is operating 1 metre distancing with additional measures being in place to avoid transmission.
• Maintain hand and cough hygiene
• Avoid touching hard surfaces with your hands
• Wash your hands when you arrive, when you leave, when you get home and especially before eating or after touching surfaces
• Do not share food or utensils – if eating, each household should bring, prepare and eat its own food separately
• If possible, keep rooms well ventilated – consider opening windows or a door

Hospitality (food and drink)

Hospitality (alcohol on sale outdoors)

• Not permitted 

Hospitality (alcohol on sale indoors)

• Not permitted

Hospitality (food for consumption on-premises)

• Permitted – last entry 17:00 and closes at 18:00

Takeaways

• Takeaways permitted for alcohol and food as per existing arrangements

Accommodation (hotels, B&Bs, self-catering, caravan and campsites)

• Open – socialising and hospitality rules apply
• Tourists should not travel into, or out of, a Level 3 area for holidays or visits
• Exceptions for essentials travel includes those who must travel for work, education, health or for those attending weddings or funerals which requires an overnight stay.

Travel 

• No non-essential travel into or out of the level 3 area
• Exemptions for essential travel for work, education, shopping health etc; outdoor exercise; weddings and funerals; and transit through restricted areas
• International quarantine regulations apply

Transport

• Active travel (walk, run, cycle, wheel) where possible
• Avoid car sharing with people outside extended household wherever possible
• Avoid non-essential use of public transport.
• Face coverings compulsory

Shopping

• Open

Close contact services (e.g. hairdressers, barbers, tradesperson and beauticians)

• Open, but may be subject to additional protective measures
• Mobile close contact service providers must not operate in level 3 with the exception of hairdressers and barbers.

Public buildings – e.g. libraries

• Open (with protective measures)

Stadia and events

• Stadia must be closed to spectators.
• No live events are permitted.

Worship

• Open – restricted numbers (50)

Life events (weddings, and civil partnerships, funerals) ceremonies and receptions/wakes

• Weddings/civil partnerships – 20 person limit
• Funerals – 20 person limit
• Wakes and receptions permitted, subject to 20 person limit
• Face coverings must be worn except for the bride and groom (or partners) and the person leading the ceremony during a wedding ceremony or civil partnership.  

  Early learning and childcare (ELC)(formal childcare)

  • Open – with enhanced protective measures in place

  Informal childcare

  • ​Informal childcare is permitted. You should follow the rules for socialising.  

    Schools

    • Open – with enhanced protective measures in place

    Universities and Colleges

    • Colleges and universities can operate using a more restricted mix of face to face and distance learning

    Driving lessons

    • Permitted

    Sports and exercise

    • All under 18s organised sports and activities are permitted, provided appropriate safety measures are followed.
    • Organised outdoor non-contact sports, personal training and coaching are permitted, provided appropriate safety measures are followed. Outdoor contact sports are not permitted, except for professional sport
    • Exercise is permitted indoors, abiding by the rules on meeting other households. No group exercise classes or sports (contact or non-contact) are permitted indoors.

    Leisure and entertainment

    • Closed

    Visitor attractions

    • All indoor and outdoor visitor attractions such as museums, galleries, educational and heritage attractions, zoos and aquariums can open providing there are physical distancing and hygiene measures in place
    • Visitor attractions with retail and hospitality facilities can open in level 3 in line with retail and hospitality guidance.

    Public services (health following NHS remobilisation plan)

    • Essential face-to-face services only (online where possible)

    Unregulated children's activities (incl. youth clubs, children's groups)

    • Permitted - differentiated restrictions apply

    Support services (mental health, counselling, day services, respite care)

    • Permitted/online where possible.

    Offices, call centres and other workplaces

    • Essential only/working from home 

    Shielding

    This is advice, consider which level of protection is right for you.

    All levels: We will not ask you to distance from people within your own homes or to stop taking outdoor exercise.

    Level 3 shielding

    • Contact with others: Limit meeting people outside your own household, avoid indoor public spaces.
    • Shopping: Strictly follow the guidelines when shopping and limiting the number of times you go to a shop. Shop at quieter times.
    • If you cannot work from home: Speak to your employer to ensure all appropriate protections are in place. If they are not, discuss getting a fit note with your GP or clinician.
    • School/ formal childcare: Parents or guardians should discuss with their GP or clinician whether children should still attend