PRIME Minister Boris Johnson will address the nation at 8pm amid talk of a third national lockdown due to Covid-19.

Speculation has been rife, particularly over the reopening of schools after the Christmas break, while a new, more transmissible strain of the coronavirus rampages through communities across the country.

Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has already announced full national restrictions north of the border, including the closure of schools until the end of January.

It follows news that infection rates in Worcestershire, recently moved up to tier three regional restrictions, have jumped up considerably in the past week.

What has been announced in Scotland?

New laws require people to stay at home and work from home where possible and outdoor gatherings are also to be cut back with people only allowed to meet one person from one other household.

Places of worship are to be closed, group exercise banned, and schools will largely operate via online and remote learning.

These rules will apply across the Scottish mainland. Island areas will remain in level three but "would be monitored carefully".

More to follow.