Coronavirus / Isles to remain under level one Covid restrictions
People will soon be able to meet outdoors in groups of up to eight people, from three households
THE CURRENT coronavirus restrictions in Shetland are set to continue largely as they are following the Scottish Government’s latest review.
First minister Nicola Sturgeon said on Tuesday that Shetland would remain in level one of the tiered system of restrictions.
However, she did say that people in level one areas will be able to meet outdoors in groups of up to eight, from three households, from Thursday.
However, some council areas will move into level four – the strictest tier – from Friday evening, such as the City of Glasgow, North Lanarkshire and Stirling.
Sturgeon also said that guidance on not travelling into level three or four areas will also be made into law.
The first minister also confirmed that the government will lay out in parliament soon plans for a possible Covid-19 vaccine programme.
Meanwhile, Shetland Islands Council has informed local businesses affected by protective measures that they can apply for Scottish Government funding.
The fund will provide:
- A grant of £2,000 or £3,000 (depending on rateable value) for businesses required to close by law, payable every four weeks for the duration protective measures are in place;
- A grant of £1,400 or £2,100 (depending on rateable value) for businesses that remain open but are specifically required to modify their operations by protective measures, payable every four weeks for the duration measures are in place
The following types of business will be eligible in areas currently in level one, subject to meeting the specific requirements of the fund:
- Nightclubs
- Theatres, sports stadia, conference and exhibition centres, comedy clubs, concert halls and music venues subject to a specific cap on the number of people who can attend an event.
- All hospitality subjected to time restrictions on their operations (i.e. no admittance after 21:30, closure at 22:30) by law – includes restaurants, pubs, bars, licensed sports and social clubs and licensed premises (excluding takeaways)
Applications to the fund can be made here: Strategic Business Framework Fund Application Form.
Any businesses with specific queries can contact Business Gateway Shetland by email at: businessgateway@shetland.gov.uk
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