Lockdown update: Scotland to remain in lockdown until at least mid-February
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Addressing the Scottish Parliament this afternoon, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon confirmed that the current lockdown would continue even though there were positive signs that suppression of the virus was achieving results.
She said: "We are still in a precarious position but the sacrifices which people have been making are having an effect.
"Test positivity has decreased as has number of cases per 100,00 and the level of new cases with the new variant.
"It is important to be cautious and to see these trends continue and we need to be realistic that downwards trends are down to us staying at home and reducing interactions.
"The situation could quickly be sent into reverse and this would accelerate pressure on the health service.
"Pressure on the NHS on numbers needing care is already accute.
"There are around 30 per cent more people in hospital than at the peak in April and the while the number in ICU is less, it has continued to increase.
"The pressure is real and severe and having a significant impact on non-Covid care.
"This will rise for a further period yet so we cannot see the rate of infections increase.
"The cabinet decided that the restrictions will remain in place until at least the middle of February and will review this again on February 2."
On the issue on Barra where more the 10 per cent of the population has tested positive, the cabinet has decided that Barra and Vattersay will move to level 4 the same as the mainland.
For schools she continued: "We indicated previously that the earliest possible date for a return would be February 1.
"I know how much work staff are putting in to providing home learning and I understand how distressing it is for pupils but community transmission is however to high to allow a safe return.
"School and nurseries will remain closed till mid-February.
"If at all possible to bring in a phased return mid-February we will, but this will be reviewed on February 2 on clinical advice.
"While anything I have said today is unexpected, I continue to be grateful to people across the country for their resilience."
