First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced that most legal restrictions will be lifted as we move beyond the level system. In a televised statement she said that she wished to ensure any restrictions that stay in place are “necessary and proportionate”. She says the move beyond level zero will see the lifting of most of the “legally imposed restrictions” on physical distancing and limits on the size of social gatherings.
It also means that from 9 August no venues will be legally required to stay closed, bringing back nightclubs, some theatres and sporting venues.
Despite the lifting on restrictions, face coverings must be worn in all the same indoor settings as is the case now.
Hospitality and indoor venues will still be required to collect the contact details of customers.
Face coverings for over-12s in schools will remain for at least six weeks.
Local restrictions and travel restrictions may be used in future to target outbreaks. Businesses are encouraged to continue to work from home.
Large-scale events can return under the new easing of restrictions but – for a limited period – they will still need to apply for permission.
This applies to the organisers of large events outdoors of more than 5,000 and indoor of more than 2,000.
An app is being developed that would allow “Covid status certification” but that would not be ready for another month and its introduction will be subject to consultation.
Changes to the requirements for self isolation:
- Adults who have symptoms of or test positive are still required to self isolate
- Adults identified as close contacts of someone who tests positive are no longer required to automatically self isolate for 10 days – instead if they are double vaccinated for more than two weeks they should get a PCR test and can end isolation if they test negative
- A similar change will be in effect for people age 17 and under who are not eligible for vaccination
- Under 5s are “encouraged but not required” to take PCR tests
The changes mean the blanket isolation of whole school classes is “no longer routine” and most will be asked to self isolate for a much shorter period of time.