THE First Minister was speaking in the Scottish Parliament today as she gave the weekly Covid-19 levels review.

On Saturday she announced mainland Scotland would be put into level 4 from Boxing Day while Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles will enter level 3.

Today her update differed from other reviews as she already set out the upcoming changes at the weekend – and the First Minister wanted to speak more on the new variant Covid-19 strain causing concern across the UK.

Here's what she touched on. 

The new variant strain

ABOUT 14% of coronavirus cases in Scotland are thought to be the new Covid-19 variant, Nicola Sturgeon has said.

While this is lower than in England – where it accounts for 36% of cases – the rapid spread in London and the south east in recent weeks has concerned the Scottish Government.

READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon to make level announcement today — here's what to expect

Scientists believe the variant can spread more rapidly. Scotland had seen a “sustained decline” in cases, but numbers have grown more volatile in recent weeks and there are concerns about the impact of a more infective strain of the virus.

Sturgeon said: “This new variant does seem to be much more transmissible - perhaps up to 70% more transmissible - which means that it can spread far more quickly and easily.

“As a result, there is now a significant degree of confidence amongst experts that it increases the R number - and that the scale of increase could be 0.4.

“Given that the R number in Scotland is already around 1, this is obviously a very real concern.”

Sturgeon stressed we “have to act now to stop” the new Covid-19 variant putting “enormous strain on the NHS” which would lead to more lives lost.

READ MORE: Covid-19 variant: Nicola Sturgeon 'desperately sorry' to announce new lockdown

Level 4 restrictions

SPEAKING on changes to level 4 restrictions, Sturgeon said the definition of non-essential retail will be narrowed. Homeware stores and garden centres, which have previously been open in level 4 areas, will be required to close.

The Government is also looking at non-essential travel from level 3 and 4 areas, warning that their strong advice will be to stay as local as possible and stay at home as much as possible. They will consider making this law.

They will discuss whether level 4 needs to be strengthened any further.

“Again, to be blunt with Parliament and the public, the current level 4 restrictions are not as stringent as the March lockdown,” Sturgeon told MSPs.

“However, it seems that we are facing a virus that spreads much faster now than in March, so we need to consider whether the current level 4 restrictions will be sufficient to suppress it.”

Schools 

SCHOOLS had been due to reopen after the Christmas break from 5 January onwards. Now, they are set to reopen from January 5 for children of key workers and for particularly vulnerable children only.

For all other pupils, the school term will start on January 11. "However, the first week of term, at least, will take place online," the First Minister explained. 

"At this stage, our intention is that schools will get back to normal from 18 January - but we will require to keep this under review."

Ports chaos

STURGEON called for France and the UK to agree a protocol as the French border remains closed, having a “devastating” impact on Scots food and drink suppliers.

France closed its border to lorry freight amid fear over the new Covid-19 strain. This morning there were more than 1000 lorries queued up in Kent.

The First Minister said she took part in a Cobra meeting yesterday and would join another today.

“Of course, if the situation is not resolved in the next day or so, we may start to see pressure on some fresh produce after Christmas - but that is not a concern right now and I hope it will not arise at all,” she said.

“However, what is of real and immediate concern is the impact on our food exporters, especially our seafood sector.

“This is the peak time of year for seafood exports and the Christmas export trade is now almost certainly lost. This is devastating for our world class seafood businesses and they need our support.”

Shielding

The chief medical officer has written to all Scots who are on the shielding list and due to go into level 4 on Saturday, the First Minister said.

“Among other things, the letter will advise that if you are on the shielding list, and you cannot work from home, you should speak to your employer, who must put precautions in place to keep you safe,” she said.

“However the letter also serves as a fit note which can be used to obtain statutory sick pay if you cannot safely go to work.

“The letter also provides details of how to get help – for example if you have difficulties accessing food or groceries in this period. Please don’t hesitate to ask for support if you need it.”