It might not be freedom day just yet, but West Lothian is one step closer to normality this week as it joined the rest of the country in moving down to Level Zero restrictions.
The changes mean locals will have more chance to get together and sees more people allowed to gather in larger groups, while West Lothian pubs and restaurants can stay open for longer.
Up to 15 people from 15 households can gather outdoors, with no requirement to social distance within their group and a total of 10 people from four households can meet in an indoor public setting.
Up to eight people from up to four households can also now meet inside a private home.
And one of the most welcome changes sees 200 now able to attend weddings and funerals.
Pubs can open until midnight and customers are no longer required to book two hour time slots on tables.
However rules on face masks are expected to remain in place for the foreseeable future.
All major legal covid restrictions have been removed in England, however this is not scheduled to take place in Scotland until later this month.
Nicola Sturgeon announced that West Lothian will move down to Level Zero along with the rest of the country, despite high infection rates.
She said: “While Scotland will move to Level 0 we will do so with certain modifications to our indicative plans.
“This is intended to ensure that our pace of easing restrictions is sensible in light of the challenge we continue to face from the Delta variant.
“And I will confirm that certain mitigations –such as the mandatory wearing of face coverings – will remain in place, not just now but, in all likelihood, for some time to come.
“Measures like the continued wearing of face coverings are important, not just to give added protection to the population as a whole, but also to give protection and assurance to those amongst us who are particularly vulnerable and previously had to shield.”
Ms Sturgeon continued: “In coming to today’s decisions the government has had to weigh up both positive and more challenging developments.
“The continued progress of the vaccine programme is obviously positive."
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