It’s one of the longest coronavirus rules that has been in place since Scotland was first plunged into lockdown in March 2020.
For 14 months, we’ve been told not to hug or shake hands with people we don’t live with.
Now, this rule is set to change from next week as the country enters Level 2 of its roadmap out of the pandemic.
Nicola Sturgeon confirmed social distancing rules will ease on May 17 and admitted she felt 'a wee bit emotional' as she announced the major milestone.
From next Monday, hugging friend and family from different households will be allowed, with the First Minister encouraging Scots to 'enjoy the moment'.
But it's not a free-for-all on hugging however, and social distancing remains in pubs and restaurants.
Scotland's national clinical director warned that the country is 'not out of the woods yet' and urged people 'not to hug random strangers on nights out'.
He said that the relaxation of rules around physical contact were more about "hugging your parents when they arrive at your house".
He added: "I'm not suggesting you hug for 20 minutes or you hug random strangers in the street at the end of a night out," he said.
What are the rules on hugging now?
Guidance in place since March 2020 said people should social distance from anyone outside their household or bubble.
Throughout the pandemic, Scots have been told not to touch others when out and about, including handshakes, hugs and when queuing.
Under Level 3 Scottish Government, people must stay two metres apart from people not within their household.
What is changing on May 17?
From May 17, the Scottish Government will change this guidance for contact between family and close friends.
With a third of adults having both vaccine doses, people will instead be told they can choose whether to socially distance from people they are close to.
Loved ones can now hug each other in a home or garden, with up to six people from three households able to meet indoors.
Groups of up to eight from eight different households can also meet outdoors and there is no limit to the amount of time you can spend with people in a day.
People do not have to take a lateral flow test before hugging, but it’s one way of reducing the spread of the disease.
But the First Minister said it remains “vital to be cautious”, saying that dropping social distancing will be reviewed for all situations in the coming weeks.
Scot have been urged people to be sensible with physical contact - with hugging vulnerable loved ones still 'carrying risks'.
Does that mean it's a free-for-all?
No - this does not mean social distancing rules have been scrapped.
Close contact with an infectious person is still the most likely way to catch Covid-19 and the vaccine is still being rolled out.
Broader social distancing rules, including in public venues like pubs and restaurants, will remain for now and are set to be reviewed in coming weeks.
Importantly, the new hugging guidance is aimed at people meeting within legally-allowed group sizes.
It does not apply to hugging people at live events, small gatherings, strangers in the street or in a pub.
People will be told to exercise their own personal judgement in line with the risks.
They will be urged to remain cautious, because some people are more vulnerable to severe illness than others.
Where will social distancing remain?
Wider social distancing rules and regulations remain in place - such as in social care, shops and hospitality.
Pubs and restaurants will still have to obey social distancing rules, where people stay two metres apart or one metre with mitigations like a perspex screen.
Drinkers will have to stay seated at tables and can't stand or mingle at the bar area. Face masks must be worn when customers enter the premises or stand up to leave.
Track and trace rules are still in force so anyone visiting a bar will have to leave their name and contact details.
