The First Minister paved a roadmap from lockdown for the country yesterday afternoon.
Nicola Sturgeon revealed a series of indicative dates that could ease tough coronavirus restrictions imposed on Ayrshire and the country as a whole.
Schools remained a top priority with the Scottish Government laying groundwork for all pupils to potentially be back in classrooms within a month.
Plans to reopen the economy and move back to individually tiered council areas from the last week in April were also unveiled by Ms Sturgeon.
Today, Ayrshire Live looked at what tiers each council area could be placed into eventually.
The First Minister told the Scottish Parliament: "It is important to stress, of course, that all of this depends on us continuing to suppress the virus now – and continuing to accept some trade-offs for a period, for example on international travel.
"But if we do so, I am optimistic that we can make good progress in returning more normality to our lives and the economy.
"I know this is still a cautious approach which though absolutely essential to control the virus and protect health, is nevertheless extremely difficult for many businesses."
Here are the three important dates that could see tough measures ease in the coming weeks and months...
March 15
- Primary school classes, from P4 to P7, and more senior phase secondary pupils could head back to the classroom for at least part of their learning.
- The resumption of outdoors non-contact group sports for 12 to 17-year-olds could also return.
- Outdoor mixing between households could increase to four people from a maximum of two households – compared to two people from two households just now.
April 5
- It's hoped that the 'stay at home' restriction will be lifted.
- Any final phase of school return could also take place on this date.
- Communal worship could return with restricted numbers but it could resume earlier to coincide with major religious festivals, for example Easter and Passover.
- Outdoor gatherings could see at least six people from two households meet together.
- The reopening of retail is anticipated to begin. This will start with an extension of the definition of essential retail and the removal of restrictions on click-and collect.
April 26
- Scotland will move back to levels, with all of Scotland that is currently in Tier 4 moving to Tier 3, albeit with some possible modifications.
- A phased but significant re-opening of the economy will begin, including non-essential retail, hospitality and services like gyms and hairdressers.
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