Restrictions on social gatherings will come into force from today making it an offence to breach Covid-19 guidance by having large house parties.
It will be an offence for someone to have a party indoors in their house with more than fifteen people from more than one household present, with limited exceptions.
Current guidelines are that no more than eight people from a maximum of three different households should be meeting indoors
The restrictions will be reviewed every three weeks to ensure socialising can continue in a safe and responsible manner.
The First Minister said: “Seeing friends is particularly important during what is a really difficult period, but it needs to be done safely and responsibly.
“That is how we avoid the return of some of the stricter lockdown measures and continue to contain this virus.
“We know from our test and protect teams – and also from evidence around the world – that large, indoor gatherings pose a major transmission risk.
“The majority of people, young and old, will be sticking with limits under current guidance – and I am very grateful for that – however, there are a minority who don’t.
“I want to make it very clear – particularly to young people – that this is not about stopping you having fun, but enabling you to have fun safely.
“Ensuring police have the powers to enter and disperse large house parties is another tool in suppressing the virus.
“While we expect these powers to be used as a last resort, it will help to reduce the potential for future clusters and outbreaks.”
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
