Earlier this week, the Scottish Government imposed a legally-enforceable "stay at home" order across mainland Scotland in a bid to prevent any further transmission of the new Covid-19 strain.

A series of new measures will come into effect from today in Scotland to prevent the NHS from becoming overwhelmed as cases continue to rise. 

From today, the following measures have been put in place:

READ MORE: Coronavirus Scotland: The only exemptions for leaving your home in new lockdown

Places of worship to close

Places of worship across mainland Scotland will close from today.

Churches and other similar venues can only open under the new guidance – set out by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon on Monday – to broadcast a service or conduct a funeral, wedding or civil partnership.

Once again there are limits on such ceremonies taking place with a maximum of 20 people allowed to attend a funeral service – however wakes are banned.

Up to five people can attend weddings and civil partnership services.

Further 'non-essential' businesses to close

Ski centres, showrooms of larger retailers and clinics offering cosmetic and aesthetic procedures must also close.

The Scottish Government has also urged the public to work from home.

Grants of up to £9000 have become available for those businesses ordered to close. 

Changes to one-metre workplace rule

The current one-metre exemption for social distancing in workplace canteens has also changed.

It means canteens will have to ensure that employees sit two metres or more apart.