Coronavirus restrictions in Scotland are being extended for another week, taking the nation into a new tiered system.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said details of the new system will be published on Friday and the measures will be implemented from 2 November.
Restrictions put in place two weeks ago on hospitality businesses had been due to end on 26 October.
Ms Sturgeon said that while there is “cautious optimism” that the restrictions are working, Scottish ministers were told by advisers that it would not be safe to lift the measures from Monday.
The first minister continued: “The extension allows us to transition more smoothly to the new levels system that we hope will be introduced on 2 November.”
A restriction against gatherings in people’s homes will also continue until 2 November.
Ms Sturgeon said she understands the extension of measures in Scotland is “harsh” financially and emotionally.
Speaking at the coronavirus update in Edinburgh, the first minister said: “I know all of this is really unwelcome and I know that these restrictions are harsh.
“They are harsh financially for many individuals and businesses, and they are harsh emotionally for all of us.
“I want to stress again that none of these decisions are being taken lightly – this is all about trying to save lives and minimise the health damage that we know this virus is capable of doing.”
Ms Sturgeon said the Scottish government believes the restrictions, which have curbed the operations of hospitality businesses, are having a positive effect.
She said: “Even allowing for today’s figures, we think that we might be starting to see a reduction in the rate at which new cases are increasing.”