Key dates in fight against coronavirus as Scotland moves down to level zero

Nicola Sturgeon has announced that all of Scotland will be able to move down to level zero of Covid restrictions from Monday.

The First Minister said that case numbers are starting to 'level off' when announcing the decision today.

But Sturgeon added that infection numbers 'remain high' and urged Scots to use caution when enjoying their new freedoms.

The changes mean that Scots will be allowed to gather in larger numbers both indoors and outdoors.

Pubs will be allowed to open for longer under level zero rules (Getty Images)

Pubs will also be allowed to open until midnight, while a number of other businesses will be allowed to reopen.

Physical distancing measures will reduce to one-metre indoors, while social distancing rules have been eased for groups gathering outdoors.

It is hoped that Scotland will be able to lift most major restrictions by next month, providing that a number of key tests on vaccinations and hospital numbers are met.

Here is a list of key dates to be aware of in Scotland’s fight to tackle the health crisis over the coming weeks and months.

A review on the international travel rules is expected to be announced later this week (Tony Nicoletti Daily Record)

July 15

The UK Government is expected to announce details of its review into restrictions on international travel - which could also see some countries added or removed from Scotland’s green list.

July 18

Scottish Government said that it expects to have administered first doses of the Covid vaccine for all adults by this date.

July 19

Social distancing measures will be abolished outdoors from Monday (Getty Images)

Scotland moves down to level zero restrictions.

Physical distancing outdoors to be removed for groups up to 15 people - but must keep one metre away from other groups.

Self-isolation no longer required for fully vaccinated travellers arriving back to Scotland - but must still take a PCR test on their second day after arrival.

All major restrictions are lifted in England

August 3

Nicola Sturgeon is expected to announce whether or not the scheduled lifting of most restrictions can go ahead on August 9.

August 9

Almost all legal restrictions are expected to be scrapped in Scotland on the day which has been dubbed “Freedom Day”.

Removal of self-isolation rules for close contacts if they have been given both jabs at least two weeks before and show a negative PCR test.

The majority of Covid restrictions are expected to be lifted on August 9 (PA)

September

All Scots adults expected to be vaccinated by the middle of September.

The Scottish Government hopes to begin the rollout of a booster vaccination for the most vulnerable.