THE First Minister will announce what kind of restrictions each health board area will face under the Scottish Government’s new five-tier system this afternoon.

MSPs voted to bring in the five-tier restrictions structure in a Holyrood debate earlier this week.

Under the new system, the lowest severity of curbs will be “0”, or close to normal, and “4” will mean approaching lockdown.

People living in North and South Lanarkshire could find themselves immediately moved onto the highest level when the system officially launches on November 2. Those level four restrictions would include the closure of all non-essential shops, hospitality, hairdressers, gyms, libraries and visitor attractions.

READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon to set out curb levels under new five-tier system

Nicola Sturgeon said she hoped the area would not need to enter level 4.

Meanwhile, much of the central belt is expected to be placed in level 3 where some current hospitality restrictions would be eased.

The National:

Under level 3 pubs and bars can open indoors and outdoors but are not permitted to serve alcohol, while last entry would be at 5pm.

No area is ready to enter level 0, Professor Jason Leitch warned at the daily briefing.

READ MORE: Covid Scotland: What each proposed lockdown tier means for you

What time is the announcement?

The First Minister is expected to announce the levels in a statement ahead of FMQs, so from about 12.20pm. MSPs will then get to ask her about the restriction levels.

How can I watch it?

The simplest way to follow along is to tune in to the Scottish Parliament website. However the main news broadcasters like the BBC will show the update and The National will be covering the news on our live blog and across our website.