How many households can meet in Scotland? New rules and if extended households are exempt

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced a number of tough new measures in a briefing on Tuesday 22 September, with the restrictions focusing on households and hospitality settings.

Here’s everything you need to know about the changes.

Can I mix with other households?

New regulations in regard to household mixing are to come into force in Scotland on Friday 25 September, but people are being asked to comply with these rules from Wednesday 23 September.

The new rules state that people must not meet people from any other households in their home, or another person’s home, socially, unless they are part of an extended household.

Children whose parents do not live in the same household can move between homes, as can non-cohabiting couples, while exemptions also apply for childcare and tradespeople.

In private gardens or public outdoor spaces, a maximum of six people from two households can meet. Guidance states that you should limit the total number of households you meet in a day as far as possible.

Children under the age of 12 will be exempt from the limit of six people from two households when meeting outside, while those between 12 and 18 will be able to meet a limit of six others from six households outdoors.

A maximum of six people from two households can meet in public indoor spaces, such as pubs, restaurants and cafes, with children under the age of 12 from those two households not counting towards the limit.

However, from Friday 25 September pubs, restaurants and all other hospitality settings will be required to close at 10pm, and will be restricted to table service only.

People are also being advised against car-sharing, as there is a “significant risk of transmission”, according to Test and Protect data.