NICOLA Sturgeon has slammed Sky News for saying the UK is to drop all Covid rules instead of England.
The First Minister hit out at the broadcaster and said it wasn’t “acceptable” for it to mix the two up and confuse public health messaging.
A screenshot of the news channel at 1.44pm emerged on Twitter with the headline "Lifting Lockdown" in large letters.
The subheading reads: “UK is set to drop all legal Covid-19 restrictions tomorrow which means social distancing and face coverings will become optional.”
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Although restrictions are due to be lifted in England tomorrow (July 19), in Scotland things are different.
The whole country will move to Level 0, but with some “modifications”, meaning certain rules will be retained due to a rise in case numbers.
For example, in Scotland face masks will be in place for “some time to come”, whereas in England the legal requirement to wear a face covering will be lifted tomorrow.
One Twitter user highlighted the Sky News error and it was picked up by the First Minister.
She said: “Indeed. This isn’t acceptable @SkyNews given the importance of clear public messages.
“The UK isn’t lifting all Covid restrictions tomorrow - England is.
“Restrictions on eg size of gatherings, distance, face masks will remain in place in 🏴 [Scotland] for now, as we ease up gradually.”
We previously told how the Scottish Government modified Level 0 rules in a bid to make the easing of restrictions more gradual so that it “stands the best chance of being sustainable”.
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Indeed. This isn’t acceptable @SkyNews given the importance of clear public messages. The UK isn’t lifting all Covid restrictions tomorrow - England is. Restrictions on eg size of gatherings, distance, face masks will remain in place in 🏴 for now, as we ease up gradually. https://t.co/WtHm1jHuuw
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) July 18, 2021
This is such a basic error. We have had 16 months of hammering home different rules/laws for devolved powers. BUT remember the Text Prod role is one of the most junior and someone senior needs to check it. Mistakes can happen but..... https://t.co/TCBMfTdWEG
— The Media Mentor (@themediamentor) July 18, 2021
Unlike England, where all rules will be lifted and all businesses including nightclubs allowed to open, Scotland’s hospitality venues will have to close at midnight.
In indoor public spaces, physical distancing requirements will be dropped from two metres to one metre and will apply between different household groups. In England social distancing will be dropped completely.
In Scotland the working from home order has been kept in place for the moment, but in England the Government will no longer instruct people to work from home.
Really important for all news agencies to realise this. England ≠ UK, & each nation has different rules. Scotland is dropping to level 0 as of tomorrow, but there are still restrictions, e.g. masks must be worn. Please correct this @SkyNews, you need to get these details right. https://t.co/bsFVOX44Bh
— Alex Paterson (@AlexPatersonSNP) July 18, 2021
The number of households allowed to gather in Scotland is also different, with eight people from up to four households able to meet indoors at home, 10 people from up to four households allowed to meet in a public indoor space like a pub or restaurant and 15 people from up to 15 households can meet outdoors in a private garden or public place.
Sky News has been contacted for comment.
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