THE First Minister gave an update on Scotland’s coronavirus restrictions this afternoon and announced a series of indicative dates for further changes to rules.
Firstly Nicola Sturgeon said schools could reopen full time from August 18 at the latest, with pupils at primary schools not required to follow physical distancing rules.
She added that from August 1 the Scottish Government will pause the advice for people shielding.
From Saturday they will follow the guidance for the general population, but have been warned they should be especially careful.
READ MORE: Schools in Scotland to reopen full-time, Nicola Sturgeon confirms
She said that the Scottish Government estimates about 300 people in Scotland currently have Covid-19. Last week that estimation was about 1000.
The R number is also still below one, she said.
However with the priority being keeping Covid-19 prevalence low to get pupils back to school safely in August, the First Minister said there will be minimal changes over the next few weeks.
These are the indicative dates she announced during her statement:
From August 3: Routine eyecare services can be carried out and counselling services like drug and alcohol support groups can provide essential services as long as physical distancing is observed.
From August 17: Wider range of dental care can resume
From August 24: It is hoped that physically distanced outdoor events like concerns can take place; outdoor contact sports would be able to resume, bingo halls could reopen with physical distancing, funfairs could reopen and driving lessons can restart.
The Scottish Government does not anticipate other changes coming before September 11, but Sturgeon said this would be kept under review.
From September 14: It is hoped that sports stadia will be able to reopen with physical distancing in place, indoor sports courts could reopen for some activities, indoor soft play facilities could reopen.
On the matter of gyms and swimming pools Sturgeon said she understands the desire for them to reopen, but that the clinical advice is they pose a “particular risk and require a particularly cautious approach”.
However the current indicative date is they could reopen from September 14. This will be reviewed in three weeks and could be brought forward.
It is also hoped that entertainment sites and cultural venues like theatres can reopen from September 14 with physical distancing measures in place.
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