Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon yesterday made some important announcements regarding the easing of lockdown restrictions in Scotland.
She has now added flesh to the Scottish Government framework for the easing of lockdown restrictions, released last month, and says the ultimate goal is for something approaching ‘normal life’ to return by the end of June.
Below are some of the key developments from yesterday’s announcement.
‘Stay at home’ message to be lifted on April 2
The First Minister has announced that Scotland’s ‘Stay at home’ message will be lifted on Friday April 2nd. Mainland Scotland and certain islands have been in lockdown since the turn of the year, with the public told to stay at home except for essential purposes.
That message will now change to ‘stay local’ from the 2nd of April, marking the official end of the Scottish lockdown, although there are no plans to increase the number of people or households the public can meet with at that stage.
Hairdressers to reopen in Scotland from April 5
Hairdressers and barbers will be allowed to reopen from the 5th of April – which is three weeks earlier than previously scheduled. They will operate by appointment-only as a way to discourage walk-ins and maintain a level of social distancing.
Garden centres and car showrooms will also be allowed to reopen on April 5, while click-and-collect service will resume among certain non-essential retailers.
Outdoor contact sports for 12 to 17-year-olds back from 5 April
Organised sports will return for children and teens from the first week in April. This will be limited to children aged 12-17, playing outdoor contact sports.
The list of outdoor contact sports includes association football and rugby, with outdoor non-contact sports like golf and tennis already permitted.
Travel within Scotland to be allowed from April 26
The travel ban within mainland Scotland will be lifted on April 26, meaning people will be safe to take trips and visit family members in different council areas without risking a fine or warning from the police.
The First Minister also confirmed that international travel won’t be possible before 17 May, and it’s likely not to be fully opened up for some time after that.
Shops, gyms and tourist accommodation to reopen
From April 26, all remaining shops and salons which haven’t yet opened will be able to welcome customers again.
Gyms will also be able to open under some social distancing restrictions, however it will be a while before indoor groups and classes will be allowed to take place.
In a big boost to the hospitality sector, restaurants and bars will be able to reopen in some capacity from April 26 as well. Food and non-alcoholic drinks can be served in pubs, restaurants, and cafes until 8pm, while beer gardens can serve alcohol until 10pm.
Hotels and tourist accommodation to be back by the end of April
The lifting of travel restrictions in mainland Scotland will allow for hotels and self-catering accommodation to reopen, the First Minister confirmed.
These venues will follow the same guidelines as restaurants, bars, and cafes, serving food but no alcohol indoors until 8pm, and serving alcohol in grounds and outdoor areas until 10.
Limited indoor socialising returns on May 17
Indoor socialising for up to 4 people, from up to 2 households, can restart on May 17th, allowing the public to reunite with friends and loved ones they haven’t seen since the lockdown first began in early January.
The rule of six is scheduled for a return in June, allowing six people from up to three households to socialise indoors, while eight people from three households will be able to meet up outdoors.
Return to near-normality by the end of June
The First Minister said it’s her hope that by June, something much closer to ‘normal life’ can resume in Scotland, meaning:
- All council areas moving to Level 1 by June 1
- The whole country progressing to Level 0 by the end of the month
- A plan being set out for international travel at that point
The First Minister stressed that this plan rested on the continued success of the vaccine rollout in Scotland, our ability to fend off new variants of the coronavirus, and the public’s adherence of the existing restrictions.
