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Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
National
Robert Fairnie

Nicola Sturgeon lockdown announcement: A look at the 'first steps' set to be introduced next week

Nicola Sturgeon has set out the "first steps" set to be relaxed next week as the Scottish Government unveils its lockdown route map.

The First Minister has said that phase one is expected to be implemented on 28 May.

This would see people allowed out to meet with another household in small numbers outdoors, with physical distancing required. This should be limited to two households, and no gatherings will be allowed.

People will also be able to travel a short distance for outdoor leisure, but should, where possible, stay close to their local community.

The First Minister added: "More outdoor activity will be permitted. You will be able to sit or sunbathe in parks or open areas, and you'll be able to meet people from one other household, although initially in small numbers, while you are outside. This is a change we hope will benefit everyone, but particularly those without gardens and people who live on their own.

"It is important to stress that different households should remain two metres apart. That is critical in ensuring that this change doesn't provide the virus with easy routes of transmission.

"Visiting inside eachother's houses will not be permitted in phase one."

Outdoor, non-contact leisure activities such as golf, tennis bowls and fishing can also resume, while waste and recycling centres will reopen.

Outdoor businesses such as agriculture and forestry can return to work and the construction sector can begin to implement its "restart plan".

Other changes will see garden centres reopen, and drive-through food outlets start to gradually reopen.

Face-to-face children's hearings are also expected to restart along with "key support services" in the community. This will allow for greater direct contact for social work and support services with at-risk groups.

The First Minister added: "We are also planning a phased resumption of the criminal justice system, and we will carefully and gradually resume NHS services which were paused as a result of this crisis.

"These phase one measures, most of which have an outdoor focus, are not in place yet. Let me stress that. And they are dependent on us continuing to suppress the virus. They will also be monitored carefully as they do take effect."

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