COUNCIL bosses in North and South Lanarkshire expressed “some relief” when it was announced the areas would be on level 3 from Monday rather than placed in the toughest level 4.

Earlier in the week there was speculation both local authorities would go into the highest tier of restrictions.

The First Minister said there were signs the virus was stabilising in the areas, but noted the decisions were borderline and would be reviewed on a daily basis. It will mean that non-essential shops – which would have had to closed in level 4 – can remain open for now.

South Lanarkshire council leader John Ross said: “While there is some relief that Lanarkshire has not been placed in level 4 of the new Covid protection levels, it is clear from the public health data that everyone needs to understand that this remains a possibility in the future if we do not continue to bring the infection rate under control.

“We have all made many sacrifices already in our collective effort to protect ourselves and others. However, more is needed and, however tough any of us find the continued restrictions that come from being in level 3, we need to stick to the rules. Otherwise we are putting at risk the health, and indeed the lives, of our family and friends.”

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Ross added: “I think we understand all too well that the impact of the level 3 restrictions will continue to be profound. However, we can be under no illusions – if we do not all comply with these restrictions we will end up moving into level 4. Moreover, the impact on lives could be devastating.”

North Lanarkshire Council leader Jim Logue added: “The consequences of moving to level 4 – with even greater restrictions – would have a devastating impact on people and businesses.”

Meanwhile, industry bosses said the decision to place most of Scotland in level 3, the second-highest tier, will have an “immediate impact” on the confidence and survival of businesses.

Liz Cameron, chief executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said: “Whilst the First Minister did not announce a full national lockdown, the majority of Scotland has been designated within level 3. This will have an immediate impact on businesses confidence and survival.

“In addition, the consequences of imposing additional travel restrictions between areas and levels will result in decreased tourism, also impacting on retailing and hospitality.”

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Andrew McRae, FSB’s Scotland policy chairman, also criticised how limits to travel would impact companies. He said: “The travel ban outlined by the First Minister has significant implications for many businesses, like rural firms dependent on visitors from the city. At the earliest possible opportunity, ministers must explore alternative policies on this front. In the meantime, they must provide real help for businesses hit by this change.”

The central belt of Scotland currently has restrictions similar to level 3 while the rest of Scotland has measures comparable to level 2.

Edinburgh, Glasgow, Stirling and Falkirk will be joined by Dundee and Ayrshire in the second-highest level on Monday.

Sturgeon said: “I know travel restrictions are unwelcome and can be controversial but they are an absolutely essential part of any regional approach to tackling Covid.

“They are – unfortunately – a price we must pay for more targeted restrictions.”

Paul Waterson, of the Scottish Licensed Trade Association (SLTA), said: “We had a similar debate over what is and isn’t a cafe – again we are being provided with ambiguous detail which will cause confusion.”

Stephen Montgomery, spokesman for the Scottish Hospitality Group, added: “This approach is neither proportionate nor sustainable.”