NICOLA Sturgeon is set to announce her government’s blueprint for recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic.
In a Holyrood speech, the First Minister will unveil the new strategic framework for managing the crisis as restrictions are eased.
Here’s what you need to know.
What has the FM said already?
When she updated MSPs on the pandemic earlier this month, the SNP leader said Scotland was “through the worst” of the Omicron wave and the situation was “much more positive” than at the start of the year.
During a visit to the Social Bite cafe in Edinburgh, the First Minister was asked if she was considering automatic trigger points for new restrictions.
READ MORE: 'Interrupting' BBC host blasted by Covid expert after radio interview
She said: “In terms of fixed automatic trigger points – we need to be a bit cautious about that.
“Because we know that, if we look at the risks we may face in the future in the form of new variants for example, not all variants have the same impact.”
Sturgeon continued: “You need to have attention to data, to evidence. But inevitably, there will have to be judgment applied in any given situation about the actual severity of the threat that any new risk might pose.”
What else has happened?
The devolved administrations have been angered by Boris Johnson’s announcement that all remaining Covid-19 restrictions are to be phased out south of the Border from Thursday.
If the changes are approved in Parliament, people who test positive in England will no longer be legally required to isolate from Thursday.
From April 1, free Covid tests will be axed for most, except for the elderly and clinically vulnerable.
READ MORE: Medics condemn Boris Johnson for 'acting like a child and ignoring' Covid-19
Self-isolation payments will also end this week and from the beginning of April, the use of Covid passports will no long be recommended.
Covid provisions for statutory sick pay will be claimable for a further month only.
The Prime Minister signalled in the Commons on Monday that after England scraps free Covid tests in April, Holyrood will have to cough up to continue its own scheme north of the Border.
Ahead of Johnson’s announcement, Sturgeon warned: “To allow significant dismantling of the testing infrastructure built up in last 2 years would be inexcusable negligence given ongoing risks.”
What time is the announcement?
The First Minister’s speech is expected to take place shortly after 2pm on Tuesday in the Scottish Parliament.
It will be followed by questions from opposition leaders.
READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon to unveil Covid strategy as Scotland reels for PM's announcement
Where can I watch it?
The announcement will be live streamed on The National’s Twitter and Facebook pages, as well as the Scottish Parliament's website.
What is the opposition saying?
Ahead of the announcement, Scottish Conservative health spokesman Dr Sandesh Gulhane called on the Government to adopt policies from his party’s paper entitled Back To Normality.
He said: “We must see Nicola Sturgeon outline a detailed roadmap out of the pandemic, with a greater emphasis put on trusting the public to act responsibly.
“I’m pleased the First Minister belatedly followed the advice of experts and announced that pupils will no longer have to wear facemasks in classrooms from the end of the month.
“With the data on the virus being much more encouraging, we have to move away from blanket restrictions and instead trust the public to do the right thing.”
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