Covid restrictions: How will Scotland's five-level system work?

The Scottish government has published details of a new five-level alert system of Covid-19 restrictions.

It will allow the government to impose different restrictions in local areas, depending on the prevalence of the infection.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said it would mean a part of the country with low rates would not have to live with the same restrictions as one with a high rate.

The new system - which adds two levels to the three tiers used in England - will come into force from Monday 2 November.

Every area of Scotland will fall into one of five categories depending on the local rate of infection. It is expected that which tier each area falls into will be announced next week.

Level 0 - Closest to normality that the Scottish government thinks we can safely get to without a vaccine.

It is broadly comparable to the position in August when the virus was very suppressed in Scotland but still a threat. This level would allow people to meet indoors with eight people from three households and most businesses would be open, with safety measures in place.

Level 1 - similar to England's Medium

Indoor household meetings would be limited to six people from two households but there would be a "reasonable" degree of normality overall.

Level 2 - similar to England's High

Restrictions broadly similar to those in place outside the central belt at the moment. Limitations on hospitality and no gatherings inside people's homes.

Level 3 - similar to England's Very High

Broadly similar to the tougher restrictions that currently apply across the central belt of Scotland, with much of hospitality being closed completely. However, restaurants may be open, at least partially, in level three.

Level 4 - The highest level, which would not be used "unless absolutely necessary".

This would come into effect if cases were very high and there was a risk of the NHS being overwhelmed. It would be closer to a full lockdown of the type the UK went into at the end of March, with non-essential shops being forced to close.

Even at this level, six people from two households could still meet outdoors, there would be no limit on outdoor exercise and the government would seek to keep manufacturing and construction open.

Ms Sturgeon said her objective at all levels was to keep schools open.

The Scottish government has published the full restrictions in at strategic framework document.

This level is near normal life but there are still restrictions on indoor meeting. Indoors, a maximum of six people from three households can meet. Outdoors, it is 15 people from five households. Non-essential travel to areas in level 3 or above is advised against. The national physical distancing and face covering rules still apply. Leisure and entertainment is open with the exception of nightclubs. Weddings, funerals and wakes are limited to 50 people.

Tighter restrictions on indoor and outdoor meeting kick in at level, with the rule of six applying to both. No more than six people from two households are allowed to meet up. Hospitality may see time restrictions such as the 10pm curfew. Weddings and life events are restricted to a maximum of 20 people. Indoor contact sports for adults are not permitted. Small indoor seated events will be allowed although outdoor standing events will be banned. Only those who cannot work from home should go to their place of employment.

No in-home socialising at level two. Outdoors and in hospitality settings the rule of six remains. Indoors alcoholic drinks are only permitted if eating a main meal. Most leisure and entertainment premises are closed except cinemas and amusement arcades. Music venues and theatres are closed. Indoor bowling, bingo halls as well as snooker halls, funfairs and soft play are also closed. Stadium gatherings and events will be banned, other than those which are drive-in.

The same restrictions on socialising as level two but stricter rules on hospitality, with outdoor and indoor alcohol drinking not allowed. Restaurants may be allowed to open under strict rules and subject to time restrictions. No non-essential travel out of your level 3 area. Indoor exercise restricted to individuals. Cinemas and amusement arcades closed.

No in-home socialising but people are still allowed to meet outdoors using the rule of six. Hotels, B&Bs and self-catering are only for essential accommodation. No non-essential travel and possible limits on the distance people can travel as well as guidance to stay at home. No use of public transport unless essential. Non-essential shops closed. Hairdressers, tailors, barbers and beauticians closed. Public buildings closed. Weddings limited to five people. Schools remain open but stricter rules on teaching at university and college. Gyms closed and non-contact sports only outdoors. All leisure, entertainment and visitor attractions closed. All hospitality premises closed.

Holyrood will debate the framework next week before it is expected to come into force on Monday 2 November.