Hello outdoor dining, gyms and shopping- we’ve missed you!
With coronavirus cases falling and vaccination numbers increasing, Scotland has now moved to Level 3 of lockdown restrictions. As first detailed in the First Minister’s address on February 23, and confirmed last week, outdoor dining, gyms, non-essential retail, and some holiday lets can all return as of today. Here’s what you’re able to do right now under Level 3 restrictions.
Non-essential shops and close contact services can reopen. Shopping will be back on the cards as retailers can open their doors once again.
Outdoor dining can resume. Restaurants and pubs will be able to resume outdoor service and takeaways (and some indoor services), with the two households/Rule of Six still applying. There will be a curfew of 8pm for those dining indoors and no alcohol will be served indoors. There will also be a curfew of 10pm for those dining outdoors such as terraces and beer gardens where alcohol is allowed to be consumed.
Indoor leisure facilities like gyms and swimming pools can reopen. Workouts and laps are back on the table in this stage.
Holidays are permitted for use by individuals or household groups. Holidays are an option, but only with your household or on your own. Tourist accommodation to reopen(hotels, B&Bs, self-catering, caravan and camping sites), and self-catering accommodation is restricted in line with rules on indoor gathering. People in Scotland are allowed to travel around the country as well as to and from England and Wales from April 26, however international travel is still not permitted.
Zoos, theme parks, and drive in cinemas, plus public libraries, museums and community centres can open. Even more outdoor recreation and entertainment settings are allowed to reopen at this stage.
Weddings with up to 50 guests can take place. Delayed your nuptials to allow family and friends to join? A few select guests can now join you.
Then hopefully from May 17, when the country moves down to Level 2, up to four people from two households can socialise indoors in a private home and up to six people from up to three households may socialise in an indoors public space. You can find the government’s timetable for easing restrictions here.