People shielding from Covid-19 must continue to do so until the end of July
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PEOPLE in high risk groups who are shielding at home from Coronavirus will have to continue to do so until the end of July.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said that although prevalence of the virus was falling, it still posed a risk to the clinically most vulnerable.
"It remains necessary to shield you from harm," she said at her daily press briefing.
However, from Thursday, June 18, those who are shielding will be allowed to go out for exercise as often as they want.
They must remain two metres away from other people and should not meet up with other households, even outdoors.
"I hope this will provide some boost for your quality of life," she added.
"I can imagine how difficult this has been. I know many of you will be disappointed that shielding is to continue for some time yet."
Between now and the end of July, the First Minister added, if the evidence changes and further changes can be made to the shielding advice, then that will be done.
At present, 50,000 shielding people are receiving free grocery boxes each week.
The First Minister reported no deaths from Covid-19 in Scotland for the second day in a row which she said was "very encouraging".
"We are now seeing very real and sustained suppression of this virus," she said.
The total number of deaths in Scotland of people who have tested positive for Covid-19 remains at 2415.
There have now been 15,639 positive tests for Coronavirus.
