Rules eased as Scotland slowly moves out of lockdown

Further changes to lockdown restrictions in Scotland have been announced today by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.

People can meet more friends and family outdoors as the country enters phase two of a route map out of lockdown.

Nicola Sturgeon stressed the easing of restrictions must proceed with “care and caution.”

“Even more patience is required now than was required previously, when the danger of the virus was perhaps more obvious. As we start to feel that the virus is receding, there will be a growing and understandable desire to move back to normality more quickly, and we will all feel frustrated at times if that journey seems too slow.”

People are urged to stay within or close to their local area - about five miles or so - for the next four weeks when that distance is set to be expanded.

Under the changes revealed today, up to three households can meet outside though the maximum size of group remains at eight people.

People shielding are now able to go outdoors for exercise. From tomorrow (Friday) they can take part in non-contact outdoor activities such as golf and hiking, and can meet one other household, in groups of no more than eight outdoors.

Anyone living alone or only with children under 18 - such single parents or grandparents - can form an ‘extended household group’ with one other household. They can meet indoors with overnight stays permitted and without physical distancing. They are allowed to meet outdoors or indoors, visit and stay at each others’ homes, and do everything that people in other households can do, such as watch TV, share a meal and look after each other’s children. However, if any of them gets the virus, all the group will have to isolate, regardless of whether they live in the same property.

The move also allows couples who do not live together, where at least one of them lives alone, to be reunited.

People should continue to stay in their local area as much as possible and should not travel more than around five miles for leisure or recreation.

From Monday

The law requires people to wear a face covering on all public transport from the 22nd

Dentists will be able to reopen from Monday, initially for urgent care.

Places of worship can open their doors for individual prayer or contemplation but not for communal worship services.

Professional sport can resume behind closed doors with public health restrictions remaining in place.

The construction sector can implement the remaining phases of its restart arrangements.

College and university staff can return to make essential preparations for a return.

Accommodation can be provided for people required to stay away from home for work purposes.

From 29th June

Virtually all Western Isles shops will be allowed to open from 29 June. The rules exclude indoor malls or stores without their own outdoor entrance. Local authorities and retailers are urged to plan for the responsible use of public space, such as removing unnecessary street furniture, designing systems to manage queuing and pedestrian thoroughfares, and implementing adequate measures to support physical distancing.

Some indoor workplaces can re-open from the same date including factories, laboratories and warehouses, subject to strict physical distancing, hygiene and safety guidance. This does not include non-essential office, call-centre, culture, leisure and hospitality premises

Restrictions on moving house will also be lifted before the end of the month.

In addition, registration offices will reopen, but only for essential business. Marriages and civil partnerships will be permitted, but only outdoors at this stage and with limited numbers.

Playgrounds can reopen as can outdoor sports courts on the 29th.

Government advice is to wear a face covering in enclosed areas where physical distancing is difficult, such as shops.

Rules eased as Scotland slowly moves out of lockdown

18 June 2020