Covid 19 - What you need to know - Scotland publish Road Map

As we previously reported, First Minister. Nicola Sturgeon has today confirmed Scotland would begin to lift restrictions from 28th May and published a ‘road map’ of the route out of the crisis.

The first phase will include allowing people to meet outside with people from one other household, schools will not reopen until the new school year begins on 11 August.

In her address to Holyrood, the First Minister outlined the road map and identified four phases for easing the restrictions:

Phase 1: The virus is not fully contained; there is a continued risk of overwhelming NHS capacity without significant restrictions remaining in place. From 28th May people will be able to meet another household outside in small numbers. Some outdoor activities like golf and fishing will be permitted. Garden centres and drive-through takeaways can reopen, some outdoor work can resume, and childminding services can begin. Remote working to remain the default position for those who can.

Phase 2: Virus controlled; R must be consistently below 1. You can meet outside with larger groups, and meet another household indoors. Previously closed small retail units will be allowed to re-open with physical distancing in place. Indoor non-office based workplaces can resume, once relevant guidance has been agreed including factories and warehouses, lab and research facilities with physical distancing. Pubs and restaurants can open outdoor spaces with physical distancing and increased hygiene routines.

Phase 3: Will begin to feel closer to normal. The virus will have been suppressed and Test and Protect working across Scotland means we will understand where any additional local measures might be required. You can meet people from more than one household indoors. Indoor office workplaces including
contact centres can reopen, once relevant guidance has been agreed and with physical distancing. Remote working remains the default position for those who can. Pubs and restaurants can open indoor spaces with physical distancing and increased hygiene routines. Personal retail services including hairdressers can open (with appropriate distancing and hygiene measures).

Phase 4: In this, the final phase in of the transition, the virus remains suppressed to very low levels and is no longer considered a significant threat to public health. University and college campuses can reopen in full, mass gatherings are allowed. All workplaces open and public transport is back at full capacity.

The situation will be reviewed every three weeks, with further phases of easing being introduced if enough progress is being made on keeping the virus under control.