Scotland has ordered a two-week closure of pubs in the central part of the country including the main cities Glasgow and Edinburgh, as ministers try to curb a rise in coronavirus cases, AFP reported.

In most of Scotland, indoor hospitality venues such as pubs, bars, restaurants and cafes will only be allowed to operate between 6am and 6pm, serving food but not alcohol.

Outdoor venues will be allowed to stay open until 10pm and sell alcohol.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the measures, to last for 16 days from Friday, were designed as “short, sharp action to arrest the worrying increase in infection”.