The First Minister Nicola Sturgeon addressed the Scottish Parliament this afternoon, outlining government guidelines for Phase 2 of lockdown easing, which will start from today. The R number of covid-19 transmission has remained stable between 0.6-0.9 for 3 weeks, she said.
The anticipated opening of outdoor bar and restaurant spaces has been delayed. The First Minister said she will not change the recommended guidance on two metres distance for the reopening of the hospitality industry.
The government has asked for scientific advice to reopen beer gardens and outside food spaces and is expecting to be able to say more on that in around two weeks time. This may still form part of phase 2.
From Monday 29th June non-essential retail shops can reopen but this does not include shopping centres.
Before reopening shops and councils should ensure that plans for the “responsible use of public space” should be in place, the First Minister added saying customers should then “exercise patience, stick to the measures that are in place for your safety, and at all times please respect retail staff who will be asking you to shop in a different way.”
Wearing masks will be mandatory on public transport from 22nd June.
It will apply to all passengers and staff in public areas, although there will be exemptions especially for those who are not able to wear a face covering for specific medical reasons. Children under five will also be exempt.
From tomorrow people can meet up to two other households in groups of no more than eight people. You can also go indoors, where necessary, to use the toilets. Those shielding can go outside for exercise from today.
The First Minister said the five mile limit for leisure and recreational purposes will remain for now with people advised to “remain as close as possible to local area” until Phase 3. There will be no five-mile limit for visiting family and friends however.
From Monday dentists can open for urgent care and contact sports can restart behind closed doors. Places of worship can open for individual prayer and the construction sector can continue to restart.
Support independent local publishing – buy Glasgowist a coffee.
Buy me a coffee