Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Sophie Law

Six key lockdown dates in Scotland you should know including restrictions review and return of schools

There are key lockdown dates in Scotland you should be aware of, including the upcoming restrictions review and the return of schools.

The country's mainland has been in a full lockdown for more than a month now, with non-essential shops and all bars, pubs and cafes shut in a bid to curb soaring cases.

However, Nicola Sturgeon is set provide greater clarity on when restrictions might ease this week as the vaccination programme gains pace.

Here is everything we know so far about the six important lockdown dates to be aware of:

February 15 - Hotel quarantine begins

All passengers arriving in Scotland from overseas must enter quarantine hotels from Monday February 15 under strict new rules.

Those entering into the country must book and pay £1,750 for managed isolation at one of six agreed hotels in advance of their arrival.

Staff will supply people inside the hotels with food and beverages during the 10 days of isolation and arrivals must also take two coronavirus tests on days two and eight of their stay.

February 16 - Nicola Sturgeon lockdown update

The First Minister is set to announce the results of the latest Scottish lockdown review on Tuesday February 16.

Nicola Sturgeon will announce whether or not restrictions will be eased in a statement at the parliament as well as addressing the possible return of schools.

Mid February - Over-70s in Scotland to be vaccinated

The Scottish Government plan to vaccinate all over-70s by mid-February.

This is set to be followed by the next priority group, people aged over 65 and those who are clinically extremely vulnerable, with targets to vaccinate this group by early March.

February 22 - Schools go back

Sturgeon previously said pupils in primary 1-3 could return from February 22, along with senior phase secondary students who need school resources to complete coursework.

Further details are set to be released this week regarding the phased return of schools, as well as if any other restrictions will ease this month.

End of February - Stay at home rule remains

The stay-at-home except for essential purposes requirement is set to remain in place until at least the end of February.

Nicola Sturgeon announced the restrictions will not be eased before the end of the month, with people told to remain at home and leave only for essential purposes.

The First Minister is set to review this decision this week.

Early March - Lockdown could ease

Lockdown restrictions could gradually begin to ease around the start of March if progress is made keeping infections down.

The First Minister previously said: "If our progress continues, then I am cautiously – and I stress cautiously – optimistic that, as more and more people get vaccinated, and with the protection of some of the additional measures that I will set out shortly, we may be able to begin looking towards a careful and gradual easing around the start of March."

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.