THE First Minister and said 11 councils areas - including Glasgow - could move straight to level 2 coronavirus restrictions on December 11 rather than return to their current level 3.

Nicola Sturgeon sought to give some grounds for optimism to the millions of Scots living and working in the country's most densely populated areas in the Central Belt who now face a near lockdown situation from this Friday.

Under level 4, all bars, cafes and restaurants will close as well as non essential shops and hairdressers.

However, in contrast to the Spring lockdown schools will remain open.

The First Minister made the comments in response to a question from Labour MSP Pauline McNeill, who like the First Minister is a Glasgow MSP.

"We must get infection rates down if we are to ensure the health service can cope and that we do have that ability to ease up over Christmas. One of the other reasons for areas like Glasgow to to level 4 is to accelerate a move to level 2," Sturgeon told Holyrood.

"It remains for an assessment nearer the time to know whether that will happen straight from level 4 to level 2 or back to level 3, but as I look at Glasgow without further action level 3 looks as if it would have to be in place for an extended period of time yet.

"So a period in level 4 may actually be for places like Glasgow a quicker route out of level 3 than simply remaining in level 3."

She added: "In the medium to long term I believe it will be better for Glaswegians, which of course, I am one."

McNeill also asked whether a £30 million package to support affected businesses in the 11 level 4 areas would be sufficient especially as it came in the run up to the usual busy Christmas period.

"The £30m is over and above the other support that is available. Of course I will keep it under review," said the First Minister who added it was more than was being provided elsewhere in the UK.

Areas such as Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Dumfries and Galloway, the Borders and Argyll and Bute are currently in level 2.

Under level 2 a ban remains that people should not meet anyone who is not in your household indoors in your home or in their home.

However, there are fewer restrictions on hospitality than in level 3.

In level 2 restaurants, cafes, pubs and bars can open indoors for food and non alcoholic drinks. Alcoholic drinks can be served with the purchase of a main meal.  Last entry is 7pm and all venues must be closed and all customers off the premises by 8pm.

Restaurants, cafes, pubs and bars can open outdoors for the consumption of food and alcoholic drinks. Last entry is 9.30pm and all venues must be closed and all customers off the premises by 10.30pm.

In contrast, in level 3, alcohol cannot be served either indoors or outside in restaurants, cafes, pubs and bars. Last entry is 5pm and all venues must be closed and all customers off the premises by 6pm.

Face coverings are mandatory in hospitality venues in both level 3 and 4.

The First Minister's announcement of the review came as Scotland recorded 37 more deaths from coronavirus and 1248 positive cases in the past 24 hours, according to the latest Scottish Government figures.

The death toll under this measure - of people who first tested positive for the virus within the previous 28 days - is now 3323.

The daily test positivity rate is 9.7%, up from 8.3% on Monday.

A total of 83,259 people have tested positive in Scotland, up from 82,011 the previous day.

There are 1249 people in hospital confirmed to have the virus, a rise of 22 in 24 hours.

Of these patients, 95 are in intensive care, down by three.