Scotland strengthens lockdown restrictions

Retailers offering click-and-collect will have to offer timeslots for collection and people should not enter a store to collect an item.

In addition, businesses providing takeaway food will also operate on a ‘non-entry’ basis only, meaning customers cannot enter the premises when placing or collecting orders.

First minister, Nicola Sturgeon, said: “The situation we face in relation to the virus remains extremely serious. We must continue to do everything possible to reduce case numbers – this is essential to relieve the pressure on our NHS and to save lives.

“Both individually and collectively, these additional measures – in further reducing the interactions that allow the virus to spread – will help our essential efforts to suppress it.”

The new regulations apply to all parts of Scotland currently in lockdown and will come into effect at 00.01 on Saturday (16 January).

Andrew Goodacre, Bira chief executive, said: “We are disappointed that some click and collect services have been stopped in Scotland. … The unintended consequence will be to drive even more customers to the supermarkets for more purchases and there are already concerns about their safety. Many customers would prefer click-and-collect to visiting a busy shop as they see it as being safer. The actions taken by the Scottish government are not based on evidence and seem counter-intuitive.”