THE First Minister is expected to accelerate Scotland’s lockdown easing measures today – but has stressed there will be no change to the two-metre social distancing rule just yet.
After England announced a reduction in their two-metre rule and allowed hairdressers, pubs, restaurants and hotel to reopen from July 4, Nicola Sturgeon will provide a “general update” on the situation here in Scotland.
It comes a week after some phase two measures, like meeting with family and friends indoors with social distancing measures in place, and opening up beer gardens, were put on hold.
READ MORE: Scotland ‘not far away’ from eliminating Covid community transmission
The SNP leader said: “As part of that, I’ll set out some indicative dates for when some measures and some phases - all being well - will come into effect.
“I said from the very start that if we maintained good progress we could move through phases perhaps more quickly, or bring certain measures forward.
“In some instances, that’s what we hope now to be able to do. But I want to stress that we are taking, and will continue to take, a cautious approach.
“Our aim remains maximum suppression of this virus because that is what will give us the firmest foundation to face whatever comes ahead.
“To deal with outbreaks such as those we’re seeing in other countries right now through targeted measures and also equip ourselves as best as possible to deal with any possible resurgence in the virus as we enter the winter months.”
Sturgeon’s comments came as she said Scotland is “not far away” from eliminating community transmission of Covid-19 if cases keep decreasing.
Scotland’s interim chief medical officer, Gregor Smith, agreed this could be “within reach” in the next few months.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel