Circuit Break Looms After Deaths Surge

Scotland could be plunged into a “circuit breaker” lockdown this month after a surge in deaths was reported yesterday by Nicola Sturgeon.

- Paul Hutcheon

Health chief Jason Leitch claimed the short-term move may be “part of an answer” on the same day as the Covid-19 death toll hit its highest level since June.

Deputy First Minister John Swinney also said the option is being “explored”.

At her briefing yesterday, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon confirmed that seven coronavirus deaths had been recorded in the previous 24 hours – the biggest rise in three months. There had been 4257 deaths from confirmed or suspected coronavirus up to Sunday.

Earlier in the day, Swinney and Leitch, the national clinical director, did not rule out introducing a “circuit breaker” – effectively a two-week lockdown.