RENFREWSHIRE narrowly escaped a move into the highest tier of restrictions following the first review of the framework aimed at bringing down levels of infections of the virus.

However, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon warned that close attention was being given to ten local authorities- including Renfrewshire.

The ten areas, all which cover large and for the most part densely populated parts of the country, are giving cause for concern either because of the high number or a sharp rise in Covid-19 cases.

Nicola Sturgeon told MSPs that Renfrewshire is seeing a “sharp rise in cases”. Between November 1 to November 7 Renfrewshire registered 523 new cases, representing 292 cases of the virus per 100,000 population.

The First Minister said the expert advice was that “immediate move to Level 4 would not be merited” however Renfrewshire as well the other nine areas will be monitored closely “on a daily basis”.

She added: “The difficult question we must consider in the next days is whether more time in Level 3 will start to reduce cases in these areas, or whether that will require more action.

“Given the severity of Level 4 restrictions, we will not take a decision to move to any part of the country to that level lightly.

“But nor will we shy away from it if we think it is necessary to limit the damage the virus can do.

“These are difficult decisions and the week ahead is a particularly crucial juncture.”

A decision whether to move any or all of the areas of concern into Level 4 will be announced by the First Minister in Holyrood next Tuesday with any changed taking place the following Friday.