LOCKDOWN restrictions are set for further easing tomorrow as cases of Covid-19 continue to remain low and the vaccine roll-out is making good progress.
The easing on Monday, April 26 is the largest easing of restrictions in Scotland so far this year and looks to set the country on a road out of restrictions altogether.
From Friday, April 16, an acceleration of easing meant that people were allowed to travel outwith their local authority area (but a restriction remained on staying away from local authority overnight) and six people from up to six households can socialise outside.
With all of mainland Scotland and some islands moving from Level 4 restrictions to Level 3, here is everything you need to know about what rules are changing tomorrow.
What restrictions are relaxing on April 26?
All of mainland Scotland and certain islands - including the Isle of Skye - will move to Level 3 of the Scottish Government's tier system of restrictions. All islands currently at Level 3 will stay there.
In addition to the easing of restrictions that happened on April 16, here are the new rules in regards to socialising and travel:
- A maximum of six people from up to two households can socialise indoors in a public place, but in-house socialising is not permitted until Level 2
- Rule of six people from up to six households socialising outdoors remains in place
- There will be unrestricted travel to all areas of Scotland, England and Wales (subject to other local restrictions in place)
- Overnight trips outwith your local authority will be permitted
The rules governing what businesses can re-open are:
- All shops, stores and close contact services can open again
- Hospitality venues like cafes, pubs and restaurants can open until 8pm indoors (with no alcohol) and until 10pm outdoors (alcohol permitted, local licensing laws apply)
- Tourist accommodation will be permitted re-open again with certain restrictions
- Self-catering accommodation can also re-open but restricted in line with rules on indoor gathering
Here are the other venues that can re-open on Monday:
- Gyms and swimming pools for individual exercise
- Indoor attractions and public buildings such as galleries, museums and libraries
- Takeaway food can be collected indoors
Here are the list of services that will be allowed to resume:
- Driving lessons and tests
- Funerals and weddings including post-funeral events and receptions can take place with up to 50 people (alcohol permitted)
- Non-essential in-house work permitted
- Non-essential childcare permitted
When can we expect more easing?
The Scottish Government's roadmap out of lockdown restrictions has more key dates currently set but could change if there is a change in the level of coronavirus cases.
The next date on the calendar for further easing of restrictions is Monday, May 17, when it is hoped that all of Scotland will move to Level 2.
At Level 2, people will be allowed to socialise indoors at a private home and there will be further raising of the number of people permitted to socialise in public places such as six people from three households indoors and eight people from eight households outdoors.
Hospitality venues will be allowed to serve alcohol and until 10.30pm indoors. Performance venues like theatres, concert halls, comedy clubs and cinemas will also be allowed to open at Level 2, subject to capacity constraints.
If all goes well up until that point, Monday, June 7 should see the further lifting of restrictions as it is hoped all of Scotland will move to Level 1.
Level 1 sees a further increase to the number of people that can socialise and takes the maximum time hospitality venues can open until to 11pm. There is also an increase to the number of people that can go to live events, both indoors (200), outdoors seated (1000) and outdoor free-standing (500) subject to physical distancing capacity requirements.
The only information currently available for when Scotland will move to Level 0 - the lowest of the Government's tier system - is the end of June.
Some restrictions still remain at Level 0 around the number of people allowed to socialise and at live events.
From the as yet unconfirmed date, up to 10 from up to four households can socialise indoors in a public place and up to eight people from up to four households in a private dwelling. Up to 15 people from up to 15 households can socialise outdoors.
There will be a phased and limited return of some office staff and all sports activities will be permitted.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here