THE First Minister has outlined further easing of Scotland’s coronavirus lockdown during a speech in Holyrood this afternoon.

Nicola Sturgeon confirmed Scotland will move into phase three of lockdown, and explained what differences will take place from tomorrow.

Shielding

From tomorrow, rules change for those shielding. These changes were explained by Health Secretary Jeane Freeman yesterday and mean those shielding will no longer be asked to physically distance from people they live with, and they will be able to form an extended household if they live on their own or with children under the age of 18.

Social distancing

Adults and older children must continue to follow two-metre social distancing rules, but children under 12, who no longer have to socially distance when outdoors, will not need to follow distancing rules indoors.

Household gatherings

From tomorrow a maximum of 15 people from up to 5 different households can meet together outdoors with social distancing.

A maximum of eight people, from up to three different households can meet indoors with social distancing. The First Minister urged people doing this to take extra caution as this is a high risk change.

Couples

From tomorrow people who are part of a non-cohabiting couple - regardless of their living arrangements - no longer need to stay physically distant from each other, indoors or outdoors.

Sports and physical activity

From Monday July 13 organised outdoor contact sports and physical activity can resume for children and young people, subject to guidance being followed.

Public services

From Monday community optometry practices will increase services, while dental practices can see patients for “non-aerosol” procedures.

Women will also be able to have a designated person accompany them to ante-and post-natal appointments. In addition to a birth partner, they can designate one other person to attend the birth and make ante and post-natal ward visits.

Hospitality

From Wednesday July 15 indoor restaurants, cafes and pubs can reopen. The First Minister stressed this changes poses increased risk of transmission, so guidance on health and safety must be followed rigorously.

Tourism

Holiday accommodation, including hotels, can reopen from July 15 if appropriate guidance is followed.

Museums, galleries and other attractions, libraries and cinemas can also open on July 15 with social distancing and other safety measures in place.

Childcare

The childcare sector can fully reopen from next Wednesday.

Hairdressers

From July 15 hairdressers can reopen subject to enhanced hygiene measures.

Places of worship

From 15 July, places of worship can reopen for communal prayer, congregational services and contemplation – but numbers will be strictly limited and social distancing will be required. Singing and chanting will be restricted.

Funerals and weddings

Attendance restrictions on funerals, weddings and civil partnerships will be eased but numbers will be even more limited than for worship generally, and physical distancing will be required.

Retail services

From July 22, personal retail services like nail salons and beauticians can reopen with enhanced hygiene measures in place.

Universities and colleges

Universities and colleges will be able to implement a phased return to on-campus learning from July 22.