RESTRICTIONS on visiting other households in Dumbarton and the Vale, and across West Dunbartonshire, are now in effect.

Nicola Sturgeon confirmed on Tuesday evening that from midnight, if you live in West Dunbartonshire, Glasgow or East Renfrewshire, you should not host other people from other households in your home.

She said transmission appeared to be happening mainly inside people's homes and between households.

Schools, pubs and other venues remain open and unaffected by the restrictions.

The only exceptions to the new measures are for extended households.

If any member of a household is a close contact of someone who has the coronavirus, the entire home must self-isolate for 14 days.

Visiting care homes will be restricted to outdoor areas and hospital visits will be limited to essential only.

Those who shielded earlier in the year will be told to be extra vigilant.

The restrictions will last two weeks and be reviewed after one week.

The First Minister announced the move after 66 new positive tests were recorded in the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde area on Tuesday.

West Dunbartonshire Council leader Cllr Jonathan McColl said: “These measures have been introduced for the protection of our community.

"While I fully understand these restrictions may be disruptive for you and your family, I would ask you to please strictly follow the guidance to ensure we keep all of our residents safe, particularly our most vulnerable who are more susceptible to the worst effects of this virus.

"I cannot stress enough that if we do not follow the guidance during this early intervention, a more severe lockdown may have to be imposed.

"I have met with the First Minister and Depute First Minister and as a council, we are working directly and in partnership with both Public Health Scotland and the Scottish Government.

"Throughout this pandemic we have followed Public Health advice and adhered to rules and guidance laid down by the Scottish Government, and we will continue to do so.

"We will also continue to share information with residents via the council’s website and social media pages."