NICOLA Sturgeon has warned that more far-reaching measures could be adopted if the new restrictions on household visiting and pub curfews failed to reduce the spread of the virus as the country heads into autumn and winter.

She referred to a leaked Scottish Government "circuit break" document and pointed to the measures it contained being "actively under review".

Its suggestions included the possibility pub closures for two weeks, the closure of entertainment venues such as bingo halls, cinemas, casinos and amusement arcades and travel restrictions of five or 30 miles.

The document also proposed a temporary stop on personal retail services such as hairdressers, beauticians or driving lessons; and restrictions on care home and hospital visiting.

"I also want to touch briefly today on an issue that has been the subject of media speculation in recent days - namely the possibility of a so called circuit breaker, timed to coincide with the October school break, and during which people would be given much more comprehensive advice to stay at home," she said.

"The Scottish Government has not made any decision at this stage to implement such a policy - however, we are actively keeping it under review."

In a statement to Holyrood, she announced a ban on household visiting, a 10pm pub curfew as well as advising people not to travel in cars with other households or travel overseas on holiday in the October school break.

She said: "The measures I am announcing today are tough - I will not pretend otherwise - but they do not represent a full-scale lockdown of the kind imposed in March.

"Indeed, today's measures are an attempt to avoid another lockdown."

She said that data suggests not meeting in other people's homes measure has reduced the spread of the virus in the west of Scotland and extending it to the rest of the country will hopefully reduce transmission.

Those living alone will be able to for extended households, couples not living together, those who need childcare and tradespeople will be exempt from the measures, she said.

The changes only impact meeting in people's homes, with regulations for outdoor and public indoor meetings remaining the same.

She said that the Scottish Government was seeking to strike a balance between reducing the spread of the virus and safeguarding jobs in the industry.

"This is the best balance we can strike for now," she told MSPs.

"But I want to be clear with the hospitality trade about this. Notwithstanding the economic implications, further restrictions, including possible closure, will be unavoidable - locally or nationally - if the rules within pubs and restaurants on hygiene, face coverings, table service, maximum numbers in groups, and the distance between them are not fully complied with.

"Further resources will also be given to environmental health officials to step up enforcement and inspections to ensure that social distancing and other hygiene guidance were being adhered to."

Addressing reports that measures in Scotland could be in place for up to six months, the First Minister said she hoped that would not be the case.

She told MSPs: "It is certainly the case, until scientific developments such as a vaccine change the game in the battle against Covid-19, it will have an impact on our lives.

"That doesn't necessarily mean that all of the new restrictions I am announcing today will be in place for six months.

"By acting early and substantially, our hope is that these new measures will be in place for a shorter period than would be the case if we waited longer to act."

The new measures put in place for Scotland will be reviewed every three weeks, the First Minister said.

With the October school break coming up, she also urged people not to book overseas holidays.

And in terms of car journeys she advised Scots not to travel with other households.

Workers in Scotland have been asked to continue to work from home if they can.

The First Minister told employers who have encouraged people back into the office to "rethink that".

She added that if there is non-compliance from employers, then the Scottish Government may impose a "legal duty" on businesses to allow home working.

However, the First Minister announced children under 12 will be exempt from the limit of six people from two households when meeting outside and those between 12 and 18 will be able to meet a limit of six others from six households outdoors.

Addressing teenagers specifically, the First Minister said: "I know how miserable this is for you and you have been so patient.

"We are trying to give you as much flexibility as we can. In return, please work with us and do your best to stick to the rules, for everyone's sake."

Meanwhile, Confirmed coronavirus cases in Scotland have risen by 383 in the past 24 hours.

A total of 25,009 people have now tested positive for coronavirus in Scotland.

This is 7.6% of newly-tested individuals, up from 6.3% on Monday.

One new death of a confirmed patient has been recorded and the death toll under this measure is now at 2,506.

Of the new cases, 181 are in Greater Glasgow and Clyde, 92 in Lanarkshire and 51 in Lothian.

There are 73 people in hospital confirmed to have the virus, the same as Monday.

Of these patients, 10 were in intensive care, a rise of two.

The First Minister warned against complacency as coronavirus cases are on the rise.

Addressing MSPs, she said that while the majority of new cases in recent weeks are in those under the age of 40, a rise is now being seen in the older population.

She added: "It kills too many old and vulnerable people. And for younger, healthier people, while the risks of dying from it are much lower - though not non-existent - it can still result in long-term, serious health problems.

"That's why action to bring it back under control is necessary - and to bring the R number down again, the action we take now must go beyond the step we announced almost two weeks ago to restrict indoor and outdoor gatherings to six people from two households."

Sturgeon said she and the Scottish Government are determined to keep schools open, resume as many health services as possible and protect jobs.

The First Minister told MSPs at Holyrood that Covid-19 must be suppressed to ensure these priorities are met - meaning that restrictions in other parts of everyday life will be necessary.