Fife has seen a “sharp and sudden spike” in the number of Covid-19 cases, with the virus now circulating in communities across the region.
Health and council chiefs said the increase in both the number of people with the illness and the proportion of those testing positive had driven the decision to move the kingdom into Tier 3 from Friday.
There were 69 new cases and three deaths identified in Fife on Wednesday.
NHS Fife chief executive Carol Potter said the impact of the change to Tier 3 on local people had not been underestimated but it was hoped quick action would help reverse the trend.
The new restrictions mean people should not make non-essential journeys into or out of the Level 3 area unless it is essential.
It will also mean restaurants, cafes and bars will not be permitted to serve alcohol and will have to to close at 6pm.
Ms Potter said there had been a 40% increase in the number of cases per 100,000 in Fife in just seven days, with clusters developing in schools, care homes, workplaces and even a hospital.
“There has been a steadily increasing prevalence of Covid-19 in Fife over recent months and we are now seeing a sharp and sudden spike,” she said.
“We do not underestimate the effect that change to Level 3 will have on local people – it will affect everyone living and working in Fife in some way or another.
“By acting now, we can begin to reverse the trend of rising cases and help to protect many of the most vulnerable in our communities.
“This can only be achieved by local people adhering to the new restrictions and following the existing public health guidance around physical distancing, the wearing of face coverings where distancing is difficult, avoiding crowded places and maintaining good hand hygiene.”
She said sticking to the guidance would hopefully bring cases down, meaning restrictions were likely to be eased more quickly.
Fife Council chief executive Steve Grimmond said the Scottish Government’s decision had not been taken lightly.
“The huge impact that the rising number of cases is having on our communities is devastating,” he said.
“Our schools and our care homes are increasingly affected and the evidence shows that most of these cases are beginning in our communities.
“Council services are on hand and going into communities to provide support where it’s needed.”
He added: “We have to act now and we have to act together.
“Level 3 restrictions will not be easy to live with but it’s vital that we stick with this if we are to have hope of easing restrictions before Christmas.”
