Lockdown in Scotland extended until end of the month, with February 22 given as provisional date for school return for some pupils
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LOCKDOWN in Scotland has been extended until the end of February, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced.
This means that the country's 'stay at home' message will remain in place for at least another four weeks, with people only allowed to leave home for essential purposes or exercise.
Ms Sturgeon said: "The cabinet has decided that the current lockdown, including the stay at home message, needs to remain in place until at least the end of February.
"The level of Covid infections clearly remains too high, that is evident from the figures, however the most recent figures show that the lockdown restrictions are working to improve the situation.
"I am cautiously optimistic that, as more people get vaccinated, we may be able to look at a careful and gradual easing at the start of March."
However, some of the country's pupils could return to learning settings before then.
February 22 has been set as the provisional date for some pre-school, P1-3 and secondary pupils (who need to complete practical work) to return to the classroom.
No more than 5 to 8 per cent of pupils are expected to return initially.
A final decision on whether that return will go ahead will be taken in two weeks time and will depend on the spread of Covid-19.
In line with the return to school, Ms Sturgeon also confirmed that there will be expanded testing for those working in education.
Ms Sturgeon also announced that 610,778 people have received the first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine.
That includes 98 per cent of residents in older care homes, 83 per cent of over 80s in the community and 21 per cent of over 75s.
Scotland is on track to vaccinate all over 70s and all adults classed as clinically vulnerable by the middle of this month.
Vaccination for those aged between 65 and 69 is under way this week.
