SCOTLAND will move beyond level 0 of coronavirus restrictions from August 9, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced.

Most Covid-19 restrictions will be dropped, but unlike in England people will still have to wear face masks in the majority of indoor spaces.

Speaking during a virtual meeting of the Scottish Parliament, which is currently in recess, Sturgeon explained that a “number of mitigation measures” will remain in place beyond August 9.

"The move beyond level 0 will entail the lifting of most of the remaining legally imposed restrictions - most notably, on physical distancing and limits to the size of social gatherings," she explained.

READ MORE: Covid: Scotland's latest figures ahead of Nicola Sturgeon update

"It also means that from 9 August, no venues will be legally required to close."

However she went on: "While this move will restore a substantial degree of normality, it is important to be clear that it does not signal the end of the pandemic or a return to life exactly as we knew it before Covid struck.

"Declaring freedom from, or victory over, this virus is premature."

What happens from August 9?

  • Face coverings must be worn in all the same indoor settings as is the case now. The First Minister expects this to continue for "some time to come".
  • Test & Protect will continue to contact-trace positive cases
  • There will be an ongoing requirement for indoor hospitality and similar venues to collect the contact details of customers.
  • Local restrictions may be brought in for localised outbreaks if necessary
  • The Scottish Government will continue to use travel restrictions to limit the importation and spread of variants 
  • The Scottish Government will continue to advise people to work from home
  • Organisers of outdoor events of more than 5000 people and indoor events of more than 2000 people will have to apply for permission
  • Social distancing will still be recommended but not required by law
  • The Scottish Government is creating an app to make access to Covid status certificates easier for international travel. It will have functionality to support the use of such certificates for domestic setting if that is "appropriate", Sturgeon said

Self-isolation

From August 9 double vaccinated adults will not have to self-isolate for 10 days if they have been identified as a close contact of someone who has tested positive.

"Instead, if someone is double-vaccinated - with at least two weeks having passed since the second dose – and if they have no symptoms, they should get a PCR test as soon as possible," the First Minister said. "If the PCR test is negative, self isolation can then be ended."

Meanwhile if someone aged 5-17 is a close contact, they will need to take a PCR test and can end their self-isolation if they test negative.

"This means that the blanket isolation of whole classes will no longer be routine," she added. "Instead a more targeted approach will identify close contacts at highest risk of infection."

Schools

For the first six weeks of the new academic year, many of the mitigations currently in place will schools will continue. Staff will still need to remain at least one metre away from each other and pupils, and face coverings will be required for over-12s.

“That includes asking young people and staff in secondary schools to wear face coverings during lessons, and while inside school buildings,” the First Minister said.” I am acutely aware that many young people find this difficult - and it will be kept under review - but for now, we consider this an important protection for them, and for others in the school.”

What is the Covid picture in Scotland?

Case rates have fallen by two-thirds since the start of July, Sturgeon explained as she set out an optimistic image of Scotland’s Covid-19 situation.

The number of people in hospitals and in intensive care has also been declining, she said. “All of this is good news and demonstrates the value of taking a careful and steady approach to easing restrictions,” she told viewers.

The key vaccination milestones for easing restrictions further have also been met, she added – with 90% of all over-18s having had one dose and 72% of all over-18s having two doses.

There is more to do especially among those aged between 18 and 30, however – and vaccination invitations are going out to 12-17-year-olds with specific health needs. Holyrood is awaiting further information on the vaccination of younger age groups in the coming days.