Two Scottish councils showed a "marked decline" in infection rates and will see lockdown restrictions eased from next week.
East Lothian and Midlothian had been at level three along with most of Scotland but will be moved to the lighter level two rules on November 24.
The change depends on continued progress, but it was seen as a positive sign while Glasgow and 10 other councils were ordered into the highest level four lockdown.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced the plan at the Scottish Parliament as part of the government's weekly review of the five-tier system.
She said: "I am pleased to report that East Lothian and Midlothian have both seen a marked decline in infection rates – prevalence in these areas is significantly below the level for Scotland as a whole."
Sturgeon added: "On that basis, assuming no significant deterioration before then, I can confirm that East Lothian and Midlothian will move from level three to level two from next Tuesday November 24.
"Between now and then, the local authorities will be able to undertake necessary environmental health and compliance checks, and work with NHS Lothian to minimise any risk of increased transmission that the move to level 2 will bring."
The new level two rules mean restaurants, cafes, pubs and bars can open indoors for food and non alcoholic drinks. Alcohol can be served with a main meal. Last entry is 7pm and venues must close by 8pm.
Outdoors, hospitality can sell food and alcohol until a 10.30pm curfew.
Household mixing restrictions remain in place but shops can stay open.
Infection rates remained stubbornly high in West Lothian which becomes the only part of the regional health board area to go up to level four, with non essential shops shut.
Sturgeon said good signs have been picked up in other level three areas which could follow the two councils to level two soon.
The First Minister said: “I can confirm that the City of Edinburgh, Clackmannanshire, Falkirk, Inverclyde, North Ayrshire, Dundee, Fife, Perth & Kinross and Angus will all remain at level 3 for now.
These areas, to varying degrees, are all making progress, though it remains fragile. However, if the progress continues, we are hopeful that they will move to level 2 soon.
