A “circuit breaker” shutdown of parts of the Scottish economy is set to be announced as early as Tuesday, after Nicola Sturgeon warned that a failure to adopt tough new measures to counter a surge in Covid-19 cases would cost lives. The First Minister was on Monday night preparing to announce a series of new curbs which is likely to include new restrictions on the already struggling hospitality industry, which could include a temporary shutdown of pubs and restaurants. The reintroduction of limits on leisure travel was also under consideration. The new rules are set to be imposed nationwide within the coming days, and remain in place on a temporary basis, potentially for a fortnight, to coincide with the October school holidays. Speaking at her daily press conference on Monday, Ms Sturgeon told Scots that while she was reluctant to bring in new restrictions, there was an urgent need to bring the virus back under control following a rapid rise in its spread.
