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Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
National
Sian Traynor

Nicola Sturgeon announces that introduction of phase two measures will be 'gradual'

Nicola Sturgeon has stated that the introduction of phase two this week will be gradual.

The First Minister is set to announce today that Scotland will be able to move into the second phase of the government's lockdown routemap.

However, in a tweet this morning it was made clear that not all aspects of phase two will be introduced at once.

It is not clear at present which measures will be introduced first and which will be gradually included later, with the full tweet from the First Minister stating:

"At 12.30pm in @ScotParl I’ll set out next steps in easing lockdown. We’ll follow plan set out in route map - but in a phased way. That means gradual opening of economy/public services & easing some restrictions on personal lives - but consistent with continued suppression of virus."

This new phase of lockdown is set to allow further relaxations on socialising, with people allowed to meet more than one other household outdoors.

It should also allow the public to meet one other household inside as long as physical distancing and hygiene measures are upheld.

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Pubs, bars and restaurants have also been waiting on the introduction of phase two, which would allow them to reopen outdoor spaces such as beer gardens. Some sites had already made plans to reopen on Friday, however after the First Minister's comments it is now unclear whether or not they will be able to do so.

Phase two is also supposed to include the controlled reopening of some places of worship and the reintroduction of some GP and health services.

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