Here’s how a tighter lockdown could look
A renewed Lanarkshire lockdown could be “very close” if public health guidelines aren’t followed.
But what might that look like? Here, we take a look at what could happen in the region if the Scottish Government decide to bring in additional restrictions.
What’s the current situation?
In July, just 60 positive coronavirus tests were confirmed in Lanarkshire by the Scottish Government.
That stayed fairly consistent until the end of August when the same number of cases was recorded in the final three days of the month.
Since then, at least 15 new cases have been recorded daily including 32 yesterday - the most for a single day since May 16. In total, 166 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Lanarkshire in September.
Aberdeen or Glasgow-style lockdown?
At the start of last month new restrictions were brought in for people living in Aberdeen following a spike in coronavirus cases before a similar increase forced the Scottish Government to put in place new measures across Glasgow, East Renfrewshire and West Dunbartonshire.
An Aberdeen-style lockdown could see hospitality closed down, a five-mile travel limit imposed and visiting at most hospitals suspended.
In Glasgow, most of the restrictions have been around meeting people indoors. Hospitality has remain open but indoor visits to care homes and hospitals have been limited to essential visits.
How will restrictions be decided?
The increases in cases in Aberdeen and Glasgow were very different, so different restrictions were brought in to combat that. Jason Leitch, Scotland’s national clinical director, said the advice was “based on data”.
Of the Glasgow lockdown he said: “Test and Protect tracing system has looked at each individual case and the main culprit seems to be indoor house gatherings, call them house parties if you like, sometimes it is just a few too many people not so distanced.”
Describing the Aberdeen lockdown, however, he said: “We ended up with over 400 positive tests, most of which we could trace back to a single weekend in hospitality – so pubs and clubs with a wee bit less control than what we would have liked.”
Any restrictions brought in for Lanarkshire would be driven by that same data. The more transmissions in a certain setting will lead to restrictions specifically targeting that setting, whether it be pubs and restaurants, house parties or something different.
Where would be affected?
NHS Lanarkshire’s director of public health Gabe Docherty said on Friday that the region was “very close to facing additional Covid- 19 restrictions”. Essentially, that means if you live anywhere in the North Lanarkshire or South Lanarkshire Council areas, you would have to follow any new restrictions brought in.
How long could a lockdown last?
That’s a bit tricky. While restrictions in Aberdeen were eased to be in line with national guidelines within a month.
Leicester - the first place in the UK to be put into a local lockdown - still faces a number of restrictions.
The UK government first put restrictions on Leicester and some surrounding areas on July 17. Although they now just affect Leicester City Council area, they still aren’t in line with the England-wide guidelines but will be reviewed again on September 11.
What’s the latest advice from NHS Lanarkshire?
People returning from a “restricted travel location” such as Greece, Spain or France must self-isolate for 14 days.
No more than eight people from up to three households are allowed to meet indoors. If you’re meeting outdoors the maximum number is 15 people from no more than five households.
Mr Docherty added: “Remember FACTS; Face coverings, Avoid crowded places, Clean hands regularly, Two metre distance and Self-isolate if you have symptoms.”
At least 15 new cases have been recorded daily including 32 yesterday, the most since May