Nicola Sturgeon to make statement on further Covid restrictions today

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is to provide an update on Covid-19 to the Scottish Parliament on Monday (January 4). [View email online]( [Subscribe]( [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [The Scotsman] Jan 4, 2021 Good morning, Whether you're enjoying the public holiday in Scotland today or back at work, we've got your daily dose of news from [The Scotsman](. Help sustain our journalism and get full access to the news important to you, as well as free[puzzles]( and fewer ads with a digital subscription. [Join us today from just £3 a month.]( FM to make statement setting out further measures to tackle ‘rapid increase in Covid cases’ More restrictions incoming? It certainly looks that way. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is to provide an update on [Covid-19 to the Scottish Parliament.]( Ms Sturgeon confirmed she would be recalling Parliament today, to discuss further measures due to “a rapid increase in Covid cases” causing “very serious concerns”. It comes with the Scottish Government coming under great pressure over the return to school, much like the Prime Minister. [Schools had been set to fully reopen on January 18, a plan that has remained under constant review.]( [Here's when the statement will take place and what we expect.]( Opinion: Change in English attitudes is a gamechanger for independence Any change in English attitudes could also be a gamechanger for Scottish independence, writes columnist Lesley Riddoch. "The break-up of Britain is inevitable thanks to Boris Johnson and his Brexit project," argues Lesley. She adds: "Even previously sceptical pollsters and columnists concede that 17 consecutive polls with Yes majorities is a meaningful run." Do you agree with Lesley or do you think she's off the mark?[Have your say in the comment section and read the full article here.]( Live coronavirus updates It could be a very busy news day today. Follow along with the latest updates and announcements surrounding Covid-19 in Scotland on our [live blog.]( News, quick-fire analysis and more. [We've got you covered.]( Thanks for reading, more headlines below, [Sam Shedden]( [Nicola Sturgeon update: What time will First Minister set out further measures to tackle ‘rapid increase in Covid cases’]( First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is to provide an update on Covid-19 to the Scottish Parliament on Monday (January 4). [{$escapedtitle}]( [Article Image]( [Nicola Sturgeon to recall Holyrood as schools 'may stay shut for January']( Nicola Sturgeon is to recall Holyrood amid fears over how rapidly the new strain of Covid-19 is spreading. [Article Image]( [Christmas Gift Guide 2020: great ideas to delight people of all ages, for all budgets]( We’ve rounded up presents to please everybody, be it a secret Santa gift or a luxury present to spoil your beloved. Here are all of our Christmas gift guides for 2020 in one place. Promoted by The Scotsman [Article Image]( [In pictures: Skaters descend on Glasgow's Queen's Park pond]( We’re only three days into the new year, but already 2021 is looking a bit more hopeful - especially if you happen to ice skate. [Article Image]( [Change in English attitudes is a gamechanger for Scottish independence - Lesley Riddoch]( What has Boris Johnson got left in the tank? Judging by his appearance on Sunday’s Marr show - not a lot. [Article Image]( [An 82-year-old man becomes the first person to receive the new Oxford vaccine as the roll out begins]( An 82-year-old retired maintenance manager has become the first person in the world to receive the Oxford University and AstraZeneca vaccine outside clinical trials. [Article Image]( [Police Scotland's political independence is at risk because of swingeing budget cuts – Tom Wood]( Now, in the first week of the year, is the time we usually take stock, reflect on the past year and look forward to the challenges ahead. [Article Image]( [Even with a vaccine – Holyrood elections and indyref 2 look unlikely – Brian Monteith]( At this time of year it is normal for political columnists to take a step back from the immediate crises afflicting our democratic institutions or the parties and their leaders in order to look for what changes might play out in the months ahead. [Dave Lewis]( [Sensational 6-bedroom villa on Fife coast with indoor swimming pool and spectacular views across to Edinburgh]( Forming part of an exclusive and private development overlooking the Forth Estuary in Dalgety Bay in the south of Fife, this breathtaking property has been finished to the highest standard both internally and externally. [Dave Lewis]( [Blow for Celtic bid to bring hero back in January, Steven Gerrard backed as 'ideal replacement' for EPL boss, Motherwell sound out ex-Premiership manager - Scottish Premiership Rumour Mill]( Monday’s Scottish football news and gossip [Dave Lewis]( ['This is not over', says Rangers midfielder Bongani Zungu]( Rangers midfielder Bongani Zungu says he and his team-mates have taken a big stride in their pursuit of the Scottish Premiership title, but insists the league race is not over yet. [Dave Lewis]( [Dubai won't be Celtic break - plenty to work on as heat turned right up on Neil Lennon's men]( Celtic touched down in Dubai on Sunday morning with plenty of heat on their backs. [View more news]( You have received this email as you are opted in to newsletters from The Scotsman, published by JPIMedia Publishing Ltd. To manage your individual newsletter preferences with us, please [click here]( and log in to your account. 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