What time is Nicola Sturgeon speaking today? Scottish first minister to make lockdown announcement

There were 232 positive coronavirus tests in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of positive cases in Scotland since the start of the pandemic to 223,914

Ms Sturgeon is expected to announce Scotland’s move into level 3 of coronavirus restrictions (REUTERS)

Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is holding a coronavirus briefing today.

She is expected to give an update on the latest lockdown restrictions. 

Last week, Ms Sturgeon made a surprise announcement lifting the stay local restrictions in Scotland from Friday 16 April. Six adults from up to six households would also be allowed to meet in outdoor areas. 

“We are now extremely confident that those parts of the country currently in level 4 will move to level 3 on 26 April, that’s now less than two weeks away,” she said at the time. 

Given that briefings are now reserved for announcements or big changes to restrictions in the run up to the Scottish Parliament elections in May, today’s briefing is expected to be weighty. 

Here’s what you need to know. 

What time is Nicola Sturgeon Speaking?

Ms Sturgeon will hold the coronavirus briefing at 12pm today along with chief medical officer Dr Gregor Smith and national clinical director Jason Leitch.

The live briefing will take place in St Andrews House.

What is Nicola Sturgeon expected to announce?

As per last week’s briefing, Ms Sturgeon is expected to announce Scotland’s move into level 3 of coronavirus restrictions.

In her announcement last week, Ms Sturgeon pointed towards the full outdoor openings of pubs, cases and restaurants and indoor openings, albeit on a restricted basis. 

Up to six people from two households will be able to meet in indoor public spaces, like hospitality venues, in level 3.

Further non-essential retail, gyms, leisure centres and swimming pools will also reopen, as will libraries and museums. 

Non-essential travel between Scotland, England and Wales could also resume for the first time this year.

The number of people allowed to attend life events, like weddings and funerals, will also increase to up to 50 people.

There were no new coronavirus deaths were recorded in Scotland yesterday, although this may be due to closed registry offices.

There were 232 positive coronavirus tests in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of positive cases in Scotland since the start of the pandemic to 223,914.