HALF a million people in Glasgow will be BANNED from meeting other households from midnight tonight after a surge in coronavirus cases.
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon confirmed East Renfrewshire and West Dunbartonshire have also been plunged into lockdown.
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It comes after 66 new positive tests were recorded in the Greater Glasgow and Clyde area today.
Under the ramped-up rules, households will not be able to visit each other from midnight tonight.
And care home visits will have to take place outdoor – with only only emergency hospital visits allowed in the three areas.
But pubs and restaurants across Glasgow will be allowed to stay open, along with gyms.
The new rules will stay in place for two weeks but be reviewed in seven days.
Ms Sturgeon admitted the strict rules would be “unwelcome” – especially as she is a Glasgow resident.
But she said the lockdown was “essential” after a surge in infections.
“We could see the virus run out control again,” she told a press conference this evening.
“We have seen 314 new cases, and 135 of these have been in the Greater Glasgow area and Clyde area.
“If these numbers continue, then more people will fall ill from Covid and more people will go into hospital.”
The average rate of cases per 100,000 in Scotland is around ten, but in some areas is now more than 20, she said.
Ms Sturgeon said the aim is to clampdown on household visits over fears this is what is causing the spike in cases.
It is one of several areas across England’s north-west that was due to end local lockdown restrictions imposed on July 31.
