Scotland is gradually making its way out of lockdown.
With coronavirus cases falling and vaccination numbers increasing, Scotland has taken the next step out of lockdown. As first detailed in the First Minister’s address on February 23, and confirmed earlier this week, people in Scotland will be able to travel further afield from today but overnight stays are not permitted. Here’s what you’re able to do right now.
These measures are said to have been eased earlier than previously planned in order to help people’s mental health. Nicola Sturgeon said this easing of restrictions would allow “long awaited and much-anticipated reunions” of families and friends.
It will now be possible to travel out of your local area for non-essential reasons such as outdoor socialising, recreation and exercise. However, people cannot stay overnight outside their council area – even in a tent or caravan. According to the government guidelines, the advice remains to shop within your own council area unless there are no practical alternatives.
As well as lifting the travel ban in Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon announced earlier this week that the government will also be relaxing the rules for meeting people outdoors. From today (Friday April 16) onwards, a maximum of six adults from up to six households will be able to meet outdoors, with under-12s not counting towards this limit.
Socialising in homes is still not permitted but meetups are allowed to take place in public spaces such as parks as well as private gardens. From the magic date of April 26, up to six people from two households will be able to socialise indoors in a public place such as a café or restaurant.
In addition, from April 26, someone visiting a friend in another part of the country will be able choose to book into a hotel or bed and breakfast for the night. Then hopefully from May 17, 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.