A BAN on Bankies visiting other people in their homes is now in force under new restrictions announced by Nicola Sturgeon.

The First Minister confirmed on Tuesday that if you live in West Dunbartonshire, Glasgow and East Renfrewshire, you should not host other people from other households in your home.

The ban came into effect at midnight.

Ms Sturgeon 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.

Covid-19 positive cases have been found at schools including Edinbarnet Primary, St Ninian's Primary, Knightswood Primary and Knightswood Secondary.

But Ms Sturgeon said the return of pupils to classrooms was not the problem.

She said tonight: "Schools going back are not responsible for this.

"Clearly we will see some school-age children test positive with the virus.

"By and large that has been driven by community transmission.

"Part of the reason that we have to take tough action, where necessary, to minimise community transmission is to stop that becoming a problem for schools."

Leader of West Dunbartonshire Council, Councillor 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."