Lockdown Tightens Up

Groups of more than six can be hit with £60 fines as Sturgeon puts Covid easing into reverse

- Paul Hutcheon

People in Scotland have been banned from meeting up in groups of more than six in a bid to stave off a second wave of coronavirus.

Nicola Sturgeon rushed in new lockdown restrictions which will affect indoor and outdoor gatherings at people’s homes as well as pubs and restaurants.

Plans to allow fans back into football grounds on September 14 were also shelved over fears the pandemic is “accelerating”.

Anyone breaching the new rules faces a £60 fine as Scotland’s easing of lockdown went into reverse.

The First Minister said: “We have concluded that it is necessary to tighten some existing restrictions, to help curb the spread of the virus especially between and within households.

“A maximum of six people from two households will now be permitted to meet together.”

She added: “To help reduce transmission – but also simplify the rules as much as possible – this new limit will apply both indoors, in houses, in pubs and restaurants, and also outdoors including in private gardens.”

Children under 12 who are part of two households meeting up will not count towards the six people limit.