THE decision to move Fife into tier three of the Scottish Government's COVID-19 framework should be seen as a "stark warning".

That's the view of NHS Fife chairperson Tricia Marwick who said the introduction of increased regulations follows close monitoring of the area's data.

"We have seen a sustained increase in the number of positive cases of coronavirus across the Kingdom," she said. "It is therefore vital that we now act quickly and decisively to suppress the transmission rate of the virus across Fife, to save lives and protect frontline services.

“Following advice from Fife’s director of public health and discussions with Fife Council leaders, the National Scottish Incident Management Team (IMT) made a recommendation to the Scottish Government to move Fife to level three.

"This move from level two to three is a stark warning to us all. I am therefore asking all Fifers to adhere to the level three measures to help drive down the transmission rate and avoid any further restrictions being placed on our communities.

“NHS Fife is jointly working with its partners to support the combined effort to tackle the coronavirus pandemic."

Announcing the decision to move Fife up to tier three on Tuesday as part of new local tier levels across Scotland, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “The most recent data shows that, in the space of a week, the seven-day number of cases per 100,000 of the population has increased in Perth and Kinross by 32 per cent, in Fife by 40 per cent, and in Angus by 47 per cent.

“The advice of the chief medical officer and national clinical director is that Level 2 restrictions may not be sufficient to slow down and reverse increases of this magnitude and, as a result, an early move to Level 3 was strongly recommended.”

She added: “I know this will be disappointing to residents and businesses in these areas.

“However, by acting now, we can hopefully prevent an even more serious deterioration in the situation in the future.”

A total of 10 West Fife neighbourhoods have recorded the highest number of positive coronavirus rates in the past week.

An interactive map from Public Health Scotland reveals hotspots in the area for the period from October 31 until November 6.

Fife Council's co-leaders, councillors David Alexander and David Ross, said the decision taken had been based on the facts.

"The number of cases in Fife is increasing and we have to make sure that we all work together to prevent this situation becoming any worse for Fifers. The time to act is now," they said.

"We're urging everyone to follow the public health guidance to help reduce the spread of the virus and reduce the need for any further restrictions.

“And remember, if you need support, help is available. There’s more information for individuals and businesses on www.fife.gov.uk/coronavirus and if you, or someone you know is not online, call the Fife COVID Community Helpline on 0800 952 0330. We're open 24/7 to help and support people through emergencies too."

Following the decision, Scottish Greens MSP Mark Ruskell has called on the Scottish Government to increase the support available.

“It is extremely disappointing that Fife has been moved into level three but, clearly, with a recent increase in cases it is vital that every precaution is taken to halt transmission of the virus," said the Mid Scotland and Fife MSP.

“I am pleased that the furlough support scheme has been extended which should help avoid some job losses. It is, however, clearly unacceptable that someone on minimum wage would be asked to live on 80 per cent of their income, so I once again call on the Chancellor to ensure that no-one is asked to live on a wage below the minimum wage.

“The Scottish Government must ensure that Fife Council has the resources it needs to support the most vulnerable in our communities at this extremely challenging time."

Conservative MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, Alexander Stewart, voiced "extreme disappointment" at Tuesday's announcement.

"The Level 3 decision will be a body blow to local business and will put a real strain on our community’s organisations, as well as nearly every resident and individual across the area," he added.

Under tier three, schools and formal childcare remain open. Six people from two households can meet outdoors and in public places for example in hospitality settings.

Cafes, pubs and restaurants are allowed to open until 6pm to serve food and non-alcoholic drinks. Alcohol sales are not permitted indoors or outdoors.

There is no non-essential travel into or out of a level three area apart from exemptions for essential travel for work or education.

People are asked to avoid car-sharing with people outside the extended household wherever possible and avoid non-essential use of public transport.

Senior pupils (S4-S6) in level three areas are required to wear face coverings throughout the school day, including lessons.