First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has today, Tuesday 23rd March 2021, announced a change in restrictions for the Western Isles.
Abigail Taylor
Level 3 will bring the Western Isles to the same level as Orkney, Shetland and other Scottish islands, apart from Skye.
The current Level 4 will be reduced to Level 3 at 6pm on Wednesday 24th March 2021. Barra has been in the tightest level since the coronavirus outbreak in late January.
Following this, the Lewis cluster resulted in the entirety of the Western Isles being moved up a tier on 30th January 2021.
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar said: “This will allow more businesses to open up and a further return to a more normal situation in the Islands although many restrictions still apply and it is vital to continue to follow advice and rules. The Comhairle will continue discussions on progress and where we are heading with the Scottish Government and Public Health.”
Some of the changes in Level 3 are as follows:
- You can meet people from other households outdoors in a private garden or in a public place such as a park.
- The maximum number of people who can meet outdoors is 6 which can be from up to 2 separate households.
- Hospitality can open indoors and outdoors for the consumption of food and non alcoholic drinks.
- The maximum number of people you can meet indoors and outdoors in a restaurant, café, pub or bar is 6 which can be from up to 2 separate households.
- Organised outdoor non-contact sports, personal training and coaching are permitted.
- Wedding ceremonies, civil partnership registrations and funerals can take place with a maximum number of 20 people.
More information about the coronavirus level 3 restrictions can be found here: https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-protection-levels/pages/protection-level-3/
