Nicola Sturgeon has said shielding in Scotland will be paused as of August 1 as long as the Covid-19 infection rate continues to drop.
About 180,000 Scots were told by medical professionals to remain at home from March as they were at the greatest risk of becoming seriously ill or dying from the virus.
But the First Minister said that as of tomorrow, they would be able to meet indoors in groups of up to eight people from two other households, as well as being able to go out to visit shops or markets.
They will also be allowed to visit hairdressers or indoor attractions like libraries and musuems.
And in a long-awaited announcement, Sturgeon that "all current evidence" suggests the shielding programme will be paused in Scotland as of August 1.
When sheilding began, 20% of coronavirus tests were returning a positive result and the number of new cases reached 300 per day in late March.
Yesterday, there were 16 new cases recorded while there has been just one death from the virus in the last two weeks.
Speaking at her media briefing, Sturgeon thanked Scots who had been shielding for their patience and said it had been an "incredibly tough" few months for them.
"That's easy for me to say - but the reality is I actually find it hard to fully imagine how hard it must have been.
"By doing shielding, you have protected yourselves, you've reassured your loved ones, and you've helped our health and social care services - so I offer a sincere and heartfelt thank you to each of you for that."
The updated Scottish Government guidance states that from tomorrow, those who have been shielding can meet indoors with up to eight people from two households, as long as physical distancing is observed.
They can also visit indoor shops, markets and pharmacies, museums, galleries, libraries and cinemas, and attend hairdressers and barbers.
They can also meet outdoors in groups of up to 15 people from a maximum of four households per day.
They can also choose to go to pubs and restaurants with outdoor spaces, though it is advised that busy places are avoided.
Those shielding can now also use public transport, as well as taxis, as long as a face covering is worn, and children who live with someone shielding can now also attend formal childcare providers.
