Further COVID-19 developments from Scottish Government




On Tuesday 20 April 2021, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon gave a further update on the confirmed changes to COVID-19 restrictions which come into effect from the start of next week. An overview of these changes are below.

Currently all of Scotland is at Level 4, apart from the following areas which are at Level 3:

  • Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles)
  • Orkney Islands
  • Shetland Islands
  • The following islands in Argyll and Bute: Coll, Colonsay, Erraid, Gometra, Iona, Islay, Jura, Mull, Oronsay, Tiree, and Ulva
  • All islands in Highland, except the Isle of Skye which is at Level 4

 

From 26 April:

  • All parts of the country will move to Level 3 from the same date and remaining travel restrictions within Scotland will be lifted and travel within the UK will be permitted for any purpose.
  • Hospitality venues such as cafés, pubs and restaurants can reopen, along with tourist accommodation, and non-essential retail outlets and close contact services such as beauty salons can also reopen, along with indoor attractions and public buildings such as galleries, museums and libraries.
  • Updated guidance on the collection of customer and visitor contact details for businesses and other establishments to assist contact tracing has been published here. Guidance covering Wedding receptions and funeral wakes is also included.
  • New further face covering information has been published. The guidance includes information on face coverings in the workplace and additional information for businesses or operators carrying out close contact work. In addition, a general advice card for everyone at work has been published and a specific advice card for those working in the waste sector providing guidance for managers and workers is also now available. Read more here.
  • Unrestricted travel to all Level 3 areas; must not enter Levels 0-2 or Level 4 area unless for a permitted reason
  • Active travel (walk, run, cycle, wheel) where possible Avoid car sharing with people outside extended household wherever possible Face coverings compulsory on public transport Due to limited capacity if using public transport plan ahead
  • Nurseries, childminders and regulated school age childcare providers open Informal childcare (family and friends) permitted
  • Outdoors hospitality: alcohol permitted – local licensing laws apply Indoors: alcohol not permitted – closed 20:00 Indoors (6/2) or outdoors (6/6) socialising rules apply
  • Close contact services are open – including mobile close contact services
  • Indoors: gyms and indoor sports facilities including swimming pools and leisure centres open for individual exercise (group activity permitted for under 18s) Outdoors: All organised activity except adult contact sport
  • House moves and in-home work (e.g. repairs and decoration) are permitted

 

The Scottish Government’s timetable for easing restrictions has also been published. The timetable sets out how and when it plans to lift the current coronavirus restrictions over the coming weeks and months as follows:

 

17 May: 

  • All of Scotland will move to Level 2
  • Indoor socialising of a maximum six people from up to three households may socialise indoors in a public place. A maximum of four people from up to two households may socialise in a private dwelling
  • Outdoor socialising of a maximum of eight people from up to eight households. Under 12s do not count towards restricted numbers or households outdoors
  • Unrestricted travel to all Levels 0-2 areas; must not enter a Level 3 or 4 area unless for a permitted reason
  • Active travel (walk, run, cycle, wheel) where possible. Avoid car sharing with people outside extended household wherever possible. Face coverings compulsory on public transport
  • Nurseries, childminders and regulated school age childcare providers open. Informal childcare (family and friends) permitted
  • Outdoors hospitality: local licensing laws apply Indoors: alcohol permitted, two-hour slots – closed 22:30. Indoors (6/3) or outdoors (8/8) socialising rules apply
  • All organised sports activity permitted except adult indoor contact sports
  • Leisure and entertainment are open: cinemas, theatres, concert halls, music venues, comedy clubs, amusement arcades, bingo halls. Outdoor organised adult non-professional performing arts activities permitted. Closed: soft play, funfairs, bowling alleys, snooker/pool halls, nightclubs and adult entertainment

 

7 June: 

  • All of Scotland will move to Level 1
  • Indoor socialising of a maximum eight people from up to three households may socialise indoors in a public place. Maximum of six people from up to three households may socialise in a private dwelling
  • Outdoor socialising of a maximum of 12 people from up to 12 households. Under 12s do not count towards restricted numbers or households outdoors
  • Unrestricted travel to all Levels 0-2 areas; must not enter a Level 3 or 4 area unless for a permitted reason
  • Active travel (walk, run, cycle, wheel) where possible. Avoid car sharing with people outside extended household wherever possible Face coverings compulsory on public transport
  • Nurseries, childminders and regulated school age childcare providers open. Informal childcare (family and friends) permitted
  • Outdoor hospitality: local licensing laws apply. Indoors: Closed 23:00. Indoors (8/3) or outdoors (12/12) socialising rules apply
  • All organised sports activity permitted except adult indoor contact sports
  • Leisure and entertainment all open, with the exception of adult entertainment and nightclubs. Indoor organised adult non-professional performing arts activities permitted

 

June (late): 

  • All of Scotland will move to Level 0
  • Indoor socialising of a maximum 10 people from up to four households may socialise indoors in a public place. Maximum of eight people from up to four households may socialise in a private dwelling
  • Outdoor socialising of a maximum of 15 people from up to 15 households. Under 12s do not count towards restricted numbers or households outdoors
  • Unrestricted travel to all Levels 0-2 areas; must not enter a Level 3 or 4 area unless for a permitted reason
  • Active travel (walk, run, cycle, wheel) where possible. Avoid car sharing with people outside extended household wherever possible. Face coverings compulsory on public transport
  • Nurseries, childminders and regulated school age childcare providers open. Informal childcare (family and friends) permitted
  • Hospitality local licensing laws apply. Indoors (10/4) or outdoors (15/15) socialising rules apply
  • All sports and exercise permitted

 

Further Information on developments: