All pubs and restaurants in Edinburgh will be closed under new measures aimed at tackling a surge in coronavirus cases.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced the new measures earlier today that will come into force at 6pm on Friday, and will be in place until 25th October.

All licensed premises – with the exception of hotels for residents – will be required to close indoors and outdoors, although takeaways will be permitted.

Cafes which do not have an alcohol license will be able to stay open until 6pm.

Snooker and pool halls, indoor bowling alleys, casinos and bingo halls will also close.

And contact sports for people aged 18 and over will be suspended for the next two weeks – with an exception for professional sports. 

Indoor group exercise activities will not be allowed – although the current rules will remain in place for under 18s and gyms can remain open for individual exercise.

There will be no travel ban in any of the areas, but people have been urged to avoid public transport unless it is “absolutely necessary”.