Majority of coronavirus restrictions to end in Scotland
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
THE majority of Scotland's coronavirus restrictions will be lifted on Monday, August 9, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has confirmed.
Ms Sturgeon confirmed in a briefing this afternoon that the country will move below 'level zero' of restrictions.
Most notably, this will mean an end to caps on the number of people who can meet together and the end of social distancing measures – although distancing will still be advised.
This will allow for a bigger capacity at concerts and sporting events, as well as pubs and restaurants.
Nightclubs will also be allowed to reopen and all licensed premises will be able to stay open until as late as local licensing laws allow.
Wearing a mask will remain the law "for some time to come", while Test and Protect will continue to contact trace. This means restaurants, pubs and venues will continue to collect customer details.
Venues will also still have to apply for permission to host large events and home working, where possible, will be advised.
Self-isolation rules for those who test positive for Covid-19 will remain in place, but double-vaccinated people who are identified as close contacts can end their stay in isolation if they return a negative PCR test result.
Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: "It's important that we continue to be careful, cautious and sensible as legal restrictions are lifted.
"We all hope that the restrictions we lift on Monday will never have to be reimposed, but the virus remains a threat and may pose challenges for us again as we enter winter.
"Enjoy being able to do more but protect yourself, especially through getting the vaccine, as you do so."
Moray's SNP MSP Richard Lochhead added: "These changes represent some of the most significant relaxations we’ve seen to restrictions since we first went into lockdown last March.
"The hard work of everyone across Moray and Scotland in stopping the spread of the virus and getting vaccinated has allowed us to reach this point, with another important step closer to normality.
“Although these relaxations will be welcome by folk across Moray, the virus hasn’t disappeared and it is crucial that we are all sensible and don’t let our guard down to ensure that we keep our communities safe.
“Vaccinations continue to be critical to getting us though the pandemic safely and I would urge anyone in Moray who hasn’t yet taken up the offer of a vaccine to pop along to the drop in clinic and get vaccinated as soon as possible.”
