Nicola Sturgeon is to set out plans for the lifting of most legal Covid-19 restrictions on 9 August in Scotland in a statement to MSPs later today as the cabinet considers the latest data this morning, with the Scottish Parliament being recalled from its summer recess to hear the outcome of their deliberations this afternoon.
The whole of Scotland is currently in level zero and the first minister has said she would like to go further on the 9th August, which could see physical distancing rules relaxed, the return of office working and bigger crowds at events.
But the first minister has said some measures like the use of face coverings will remain in place ‘for some time’.
She said Scotland is in a ‘much better place’ than it was at the start of July, when Covid case numbers in some parts of Scotland were among the highest in Europe.
As of 30 July the rolling seven-day average of new infections was at 1,153 – compared with 3,429 on the first day of July. The percentage of tests coming back positive has also fallen, along with admissions to hospitals and intensive care wards.
The whole of Scotland moved to level zero on 19 July, as coronavirus restrictions were eased across the UK.
Presently, up to eight adults from four households can meet indoors at home, and up to 10 can meet in a pub or a restaurant without needing to book ahead and hospitality premises must shut at midnight while nightclubs remain closed altogether.
Up to 15 adults from 15 households can meet outdoors, and up to 200 can attend weddings and funerals – however groups of 15 must stay at last 1m apart in public spaces.