Key changes to lockdown measures were announced by Nicola Sturgeon earlier this week.
The First Minister spoke in her address to Scottish Parliament about the current 'stay at home' rule; changes to the numbers of households gathering outdoors; a phased reopening of non-essential retail; the re-opening of click and collect services and a date for when hairdressers and barbers salons can finally reopen their doors.
The announcement came as a result of "positive indications" from research, including a study from Public Health Scotland, that the COVID-19 vaccines are helping to "reduce transmission of the virus."
The First Minister described the news as "really significant" in her address to parliament.
Stay at Home
Ms Sturgeon confirmed that the ‘stay at home’ rule is expected to end on Friday, April 2 and replaced with guidance to 'stay local'.
The public, however, must refrain from travelling outside their own local authority area unless for an essential purpose.
Hospitality
We've all missed meeting with friends and family in our favourite pubs, bars and restaurants over the past 12 months.
It was announced on Tuesday that the hospitality sector will begin to reopen from Monday, April 26.
From that date, cafés, restaurants and bars will be able to serve people outdoors – in groups of up to six from three households – until 10pm. Alcohol will be permitted, and there will be no requirement for food to be served.
Depending on continued virus suppression, there will be limited indoor opening of hospitality from April 26 too.
Retail
Click and collect retail services will be allowed to reopen from Monday, April 5, along with homeware stores, car showrooms and forecourts, as will garden centres.
All remaining retail premises are expected to re-open by April 26.
Level 1 and level 0
The First Minister said that she hopes that from early June, all of Scotland will move to Level 1 – which will allow for a further easing of restrictions.
And by the end of June, Scotland could could move to "at least Level 0".
Ms Sturgeon said that moving to the levels will be "a massive improvement on where we are now."
Outdoor and indoor events
It's planned for adult outdoor contact sports and indoor group exercises to resume on Monday, May 17.
It's also hoped that cinemas, amusement arcades and bingo halls will reopen from that date.
And that outdoor and indoor events – albeit on a small scale to begin with – will also restart.
Capacity limits will be confirmed for this in the coming weeks.
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