"Unlike the other countries of the UK, we do have the chance to act on a preventative basis"
All non-essential travel across the border between Scotland and England is to be suspended, Nicola Sturgeon has announced.
The ban with last through the Christmas period, and be reviewed in due course.
Sturgeon said that fast action was needed to control the new strain of coronavirus that has emerged that appears to be driving transmissions..
"That means people from Scotland not visiting other parts of the UK and vice versa," said the First Minister.
Nicola Sturgeon also announced that the relaxation of the rules for the Christmas period will also be dialled back.
The planned five-day period of household mixing has been cut back to just December 25th. Limitations will still apply, with only eight people from three different households allowed to mix.
Scotland will also enter a three-week level four lockdown, commencing on Boxing Day.
Sturgeon made the announcement following Boris Johnson's decision for much of
London and the South East of England to enter new tier four restrictions.
"If we act now, we can prevent serious situation materialising. The advantage we have in Scotland, unlike the other countries of the UK, we do have the chance to act on a preventative basis," said Sturgeon.
The lockdown will apply to most of Scotland. Only the islands will be exempt, with those areas being placed into level three restrictions.
Schools will be closed until January 18th, with exceptions being made for the children of key workers.
Earlier on Saturday, Boris Johnson also announced a similar U-turn on the Christmas guidelines.
"We cannot continue with Christmas as planned," said Johnson
Johnson said the spread of in the South East of England is being driven by the new variant of the disease.
The prime minister said that the new strain was not more lethal and does not causes more severe illness than the previous strains, but "it may be up to 70% more transmissible than the old variant."
