Dumfries and Galloway was back in business yesterday as Scotland took
its first real steps out of lockdown since Boxing Day.
Shops, gyms, beauty parlours, swimming pools, libraries, galleries and museums opened up as the entire country moved to level three.
Pub beer gardens also reopened for the first time allowing up to six people from six different homes to meet up outdoors and consume alcohol.
Restaurants, bars and cafes will also be able to open indoors until 8pm but will not be permitted to sell alcohol.
People can travel anywhere in Scotland, including the islands. Borders have also come down between Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
But First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has told people to “take it easy”.
She said: “We are only able to open up because of the sacrifices made by people across the country over the last few months and the success of Scotland’s vaccine programme.
“While I know people will naturally want to go out and enjoy themselves or take part in activities that haven’t been allowed for the last few
months, I encourage everyone to be careful, to follow the rules and to
take it easy.”
She added: “I know all of us will be looking forward to seeing friends and family, visiting a cafe, going to the gym, and, most importantly, taking important first steps back to some kind of normality.
“I really hope the changes to lockdown rules do make a positive difference and give all of us a real sense of hope and optimism that we are on the right track.
“But for now, I want to thank people across the country for overwhelmingly sticking to the rules and protecting themselves and others from this virus.”
