// Non-essential retailers no longer able to carry out click-and-collect services in Scotland
// Essential retailers can, but they must operate with time slots
// It forms part of new measures from the Scottish Government to curb the spread of the new Covid strain
Toughened lockdown restrictions have come into force, including a ban on non-essential click-and-collect retail, in Scotland due to a rapidly spreading strain of Covid-19.
In response to what First Minister Nicola Sturgeon called an “extremely serious” situation, further measures have been brought in to stop the spread of coronavirus and limit non-essential contact.
As part of the additional measures, click-and-collect services from non-essential retailers are now prohibited in Tier 4 lockdown areas, which is currently all of mainland Scotland.
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Essential retailers – including clothing and footwear stores, homeware stores, garden centres/plant nurseries, baby equipment shops, electrical goods (including repairs), key cutting and shoe repair shops, and bookstores – can continue to offer click-and-collect services, but must operate with timeslots.
Meanwhile, entering businesses to purchase takeaway food and drinks has also been stopped.
These high street businesses will now need to operate using a hatch or counter at the door.
“Industry has spent months pleading for greater visibility over potential next steps with Covid restrictions and a more consistent approach,” Scottish Retail Consortium director David Lonsdale said.
“The only constant in recent weeks, however, is a continual chopping and changing of the Covid Strategic Framework, with every twist and turn to government rules adding fresh complexity and confusion.
“Food takeaway firms and retailers operating click-and-collect are striving to implement and operationalise these latest Byzantine new restrictions to a ludicrously short timetable, more so given ministers have only just published the regulations and guidance.”
Sturgeon also said coronavirus regulations will change to forbid people in Tier 4 areas from leaving home for anything other than an essential purpose and that police can challenge people for doing something considered not to be essential after they have left the house.
Drinking alcohol in public outdoors has also been banned.
Working from home has become a default position for all businesses through statutory guidance and services, and only those who cannot do their job from home should go into a workplace.
with PA Wires
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