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Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
National
Cheryl McEvoy & Alasdair Clark

Nicola Sturgeon announcement today: phase two of lockdown easing expected - what does it mean

Some normality may be set to return to our daily lives, with Nicola Sturgeon expected to announced an easing of lockdown restrictions today at 12.30pm. You can watch the broadcast live on BBC Scotland.

The lockdown restrictions designed to curb the spread of coronavirus won't be scrapped entirely, but after more than 10 weeks even small changes are likely to bring relief.

Some aspects of the phase two plan are likely to come in by the weekend, the First Minister indicated, while others will be gradually be phased in over a couple of weeks.

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She will provide the full details as part of her daily update on Thursday, which will be in the Scottish Parliament.

Meeting up - We should be able to meet with larger groups outside; including the possibility of meeting with people from another household indoors.

Leisure and activity - Some professional sport could be reintroduced following public health guidance. Play parks may also be reopened.

Education - On campus university lab research restarted subject to social distancing

Business and work - remote working remains where possible; non-office indoor jobs also resumes, including factories, warehouses and labs; construction industry implements final phase of return to work.

Travel - allowed to drive locally; public transport operators like ScotRail will also increase their services. People will still be asked to limit their travel, especially at peak times.

Housing market - Relaxation of restrictions on housing moves.

Retail, food and drink - small retail units reopen; outdoor markets resume; pubs and restaurants reopen outdoor spaces.

Religion - places of worship open for private prayer.

Weddings and civil partnerships - will be allowed with minimal guests.

NHS - some chronic disease management, including pain and diabetic services resume; dental practices can see urgent cases.

Increased home visits to shielded patients; phased return of care home visiting.

Advice will be issued to ensure each area know what is expected of them, before business resumes.

We will be liveblogging the announcement from 12.30pm onward.

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