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Coronavirus: Lockdown easing and face mask rules announced in Scotland

Nicola Sturgeon says "we are still being cautious and we are not going to do everything at once".

Thursday 18 June 2020 15:09, UK

NORTH QUEENSFERRY, SCOTLAND - JUNE 9: Posters with Covid-19 regulations and advice on a road sign at the Town Pier with the Forth Bridge in the background, after the the Scottish Government eased some Covid-19 lockdown restrictions over the past week, whilst maintaining "Stay At Home" as the core message, on June 9, 2020 in North Queensferry, Scotland. Scotland is due to review its restrictions put in place to curb the coronavirus on June 18. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said she is optimistic that more restrictions will be lifted following a decline in the number of deaths caused by COVID-19. (Photo by Ken Jack/Getty Images)
Image: People have been told to stay within a roughly five-mile radius of their home
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Lockdown restrictions in Scotland will be eased further on Friday, Nicola Sturgeon announced as the country moves to the next phase of its coronavirus response.

The first minister said people who live on their own or only with children under 18 are able to form an "extended household group" from Friday.

This means they can meet indoors without social distancing and can stay overnight as part of transition to phase two of the Scottish government's four-step plan to gradually lift restrictions.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - MARCH 21: Members of the public cross St Vincent Street on March 21, 2020 in Glasgow, Scotland. Coronavirus (COVID-19) has spread to at least 182 countries, claiming over 10,000 lives and infecting more than 250,000 people. There have now been 3,269 diagnosed cases in the UK and 144 deaths. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)
Image: Scotland is moving to phase two of the four-step plan

Other new measures include:

  • Scots can meet two other households at the same time while outside - up to a maximum of eight people from Friday
  • They will also be able to go inside to use the toilet when meeting in someone else's garden
  • Anyone leaving home should stay within a roughly five-mile radius of their home for recreational purposes
  • Anyone shielding can go outside for exercise from Friday
  • They can also meet people from one other household - maintaining social distancing
  • Face coverings will be mandatory on public transport in Scotland from Monday
EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - JUNE 17: Nicola Sturgeon MSP First Minister arrives for Covid-19 social distancing First Ministers Questions at the Scottish Parliament Holyrood on June 17, 2020 in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Fraser Bremner - Pool/Getty Images)
Image: 'We are still being cautious,' said Nicola Sturgeon

Announcing the changes in a statement at the Scottish parliament, Ms Sturgeon said there has been "clear and sustained" progress in tackling the virus.

"Though we are moving to phase two today, we are still being cautious and we are not going to do everything at once," she said.

"We will take a staged approach to avoid bearing all of the risk at the same time."

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Ms Sturgeon added that from Monday the Scottish construction sector will move to the next phase of its restart plan.

Dentists will also be able to open, professional sport can resume and places of worship will be able to reopen - although only for individual prayer and not services.

From 29 June, outdoor markets, playgrounds and sports facilities will reopen in Scotland, along with attractions such as zoos, although visitors should not travel more than five miles from their homes and tickets should be bought in advance.

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Non-essential shops will also be able to open from this date if they have outdoor entrances and exits.

Restrictions on moving house will also be dropped and weddings will be allowed to go ahead but only if they are outdoors and with "limited numbers".

Ms Sturgeon said there is "no date" for reopening beer gardens and outdoors spaces at restaurants.

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