Image source, PA Media

• The first minister is to announce whether the toughest Covid restrictions are to be imposed in the west of Scotland
• Ms Sturgeon said on Monday it was "likely" that some areas would be moved from level three to level four
• This could include the six councils in the Greater Glasgow and Clyde health board area, including Glasgow itself

• There has also been speculation that both North and South Lanarkshire could be moved to the highest level

• Rising numbers of cases have previously been highlighted in Stirling and in both East and South Ayrshire, which are all currently in level three

Image source, Getty Images

• The first minister will make the announcement from about 14:20 this afternoon, with any new rules coming into force from Friday

• Scotland is in the grip of its worst ever mental health crisis, with lives at risk because services can't cope according to the Royal College of Psychiatrists, which says about a third of adults are now displaying serious symptoms that could characterise a psychiatric illness
• A mother-of-two has described the mental health toll of fighting anorexia in the time of Covid
• The Scottish Parliament elections in May could be spread over several days with different age groups voting on separate dates as a Covid-19 safety measure
• Dozens of jobs have been lost after a prominent hotel on the outskirts of Aberdeen went into liquidation

Image source, Getty Images

• Up to two households - totalling no more than six - can meet in a private garden or a public place like a park.
• Children under 12 do not count toward that number and they also do not need to maintain social distancing.
• Young people aged between 12 and 17 can meet up in groups of up to six outdoors. These groups are not subject to the two household limit but physical distancing is required.
• If you are meeting in someone's garden you can go inside if you need to use the toilet but should wipe down surfaces you touch with antibacterial wipes and use only freshly laundered or paper towels.

If you want to delve deeper into the Scottish government's level four rules, click here, external.

Image source, Getty Images

• People should not be meeting in each others houses.
• However, six adults from two separate households can meet in a public place indoors. Children under 12 do not count towards that total.
• Exceptions to the ban include another household providing care and support to a "vulnerable person".
• The extended household rule applies in level four. This allows people who live alone - or who are a single adult with children under 18 - being considered part of another household to reduce loneliness and isolation.
• Where parents do not live in the same household, children can move between their parents' homes.

If you want to delve deeper into the Scottish government's level four rules, click here, external.

Nicola Sturgeon is to announce whether the toughest Covid restrictions are to be imposed in the west of Scotland.

The first minister has said it was "likely" that some areas would be moved from level three to level four.

Image source, PA Media

This could include the six councils in the Greater Glasgow and Clyde health board area, including Glasgow itself.

There has also been speculation that both North and South Lanarkshire could be moved to the highest tier.

• What are Scotland's level 4 restrictions?
• Covid in Scotland: Where are the latest cases?

Veterans across Scotland will continue to have access to a range of welfare and psychological support, with more funding for mental health services being announced by the Scottish government.

It is providing Veterans First Point Scotland, external with more than £658,000 to continue to deliver its services in 2021-22.

The charity has a network of six regional centres across Scotland and provides essential support to veterans through peer-support delivered in person and online.

It aims to maximise engagement with Scottish veterans and support recovery from mental health issues through welfare and psychological support.

1. COVID-19 protection levels: a new five-level system has been introduced to help tackle the spread of the virus. Find out more: protection levels, external.

2. Download the Protect Scotland app, external from NHS Scotland

3. Test and Protect, external

If you have Covid-19 symptoms go immediately to NHS Inform online or phone 0800 028 2816 to book a test

4. NHS Inform, external

The latest from NHS Scotland and the Scottish government, including social distancing, face covering and stay at home advice.

5. The ready.scot, external website has been updated with the latest help and advice and the helpline number remains: 0800 111 4000

6 Clear Your Head, external

It's ok to not feel yourself right now, and the Scottish government has some great tips to help get you through these difficult times.

7. BBC Scotland articles:

• What are the latest lockdown rules?
• Has your area changed level?

A mother-of-two has described the mental health toll of fighting anorexia in a time of Covid.

Abigail Reynolds was discharged from hospital in February but lockdown threw her home recovery plans into chaos.

Ms Reynolds shared her story with our health correspondent Lisa Summers.

Read more here.

There's a warning Scotland's in the grip of its worst ever mental health crisis - with services struggling to cope.

The Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsych) says around a third of adults are now displaying symptoms that could characterise a psychiatric illness.

RCPsych has warned of a "mental health emergency", with a recent survey suggesting four in 10 Scots believe they will experience mental health problems in the future.

The survey, which coincides with a new Choose Psychiatry recruitment campaign,, external also highlighted public concerns over the provision of services and lack of investment.

The Scottish Government says it has invested more than £6m in mental health since the start of the Covid pandemic.

Read more here.

There is no coronavirus briefing today, with the first minister due to update MSPs on the review of Covid alert levels from 2.20pm this afternoon.

Lunchtime Live is previewing the crucial announcement and you can listen here on this live page.

Just hit the play icon at the top of the page.

• The first minister is to announce whether the toughest Covid restrictions are to be imposed in the west of Scotland
• Ms Sturgeon said on Monday it was "likely" that some areas would be moved from level three to level four
• This could include the six councils in the Greater Glasgow and Clyde health board area, including Glasgow itself.

• There has also been speculation that both North and South Lanarkshire could be moved to the highest tier.

• Rising numbers of cases have previously been highlighted in Stirling and in both East and South Ayrshire, which are all currently in level three

Image source, PA Media

• The first minister will make the announcement from around 2.20pm this afternoon and the new rules will come into force from Friday

• Scotland's in the grip of its worst ever mental health crisis -- with lives at risk because services can't cope.
• That's the warning from the Royal College of Psychiatrists which says around a third of adults are now displaying serious symptoms that could characterise a psychiatric illness
• A mother-of-two has described the mental health toll of fighting anorexia in a time of Covid
• The Scottish Parliament in May could be spread over several days with different age groups voting on separate dates as a Covid-19 safety measure
• Dozens of jobs have been lost after a prominent hotel on the outskirts of Aberdeen went into liquidation

Nicola Sturgeon is to announce whether the toughest Covid restrictions are to be imposed in the west of Scotland.

The first minister will make the announcement from about 14:20 this afternoon, with any new rules coming into force from Friday.

Ms Sturgeon said on Monday it was "likely" that some areas would be moved from level three to level four.

This could include the six councils in the Greater Glasgow and Clyde health board area, including Glasgow itself.

There has also been speculation that both North and South Lanarkshire could be moved to the highest level.

Rising numbers of cases have previously been highlighted in Stirling and in both East and South Ayrshire, which are all currently in level three.

But the government has also been looking at whether any areas could move down a level, with Ms Sturgeon saying: "This is not a one-way street".

• What are Scotland's level 4 restrictions?
• Covid in Scotland: Where are the latest cases?

Image source, PA Media

Good afternoon and welcome to BBC Scotland's rolling coverage of the Covid-19 pandemic in Scotland on Tuesday 17 November 2020.

Nicola Sturgeon will deliver an update on the latest review of Scotland's restriction levels from about 14:20.

People in the west of Scotland are being warned to expect restrictions to come into force from Friday that are similar to a full lockdown.