First Minister Nicola Sturgeon
SCOTLAND’S coronavirus restrictions on travel and outdoor meetings will be eased on Friday, Nicola Sturgeon announced today.
The First Minister said that reduced prevalence of the virus had allowed the acceleration of lockdown easing, with the aim of supporting mental health and wellbeing.
Scotland’s Covid-19 case rate is at almost a seven-month low, with just 199 new infections reported on Monday.
From Friday, people will be able to leave their local authority area for the purposes of socialising, recreation or exercise.
Rules on gatherings will also be relaxed, with six adults from up to six households able to meet up outside.
Scotland’s current lockdown easing plan will see cafes, restaurants and beer gardens open on April 26, along with shops, gyms, libraries and museums.
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar welcomed today’s decision, but said that work must continue to ensure that another lockdown will not be necessary.
“Our ability to make these changes ahead of schedule is a tribute to Scotland’s vaccinators and our health and care staff,” he said.
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