Scotland's economy set to reopen at the end of April

The First Minister has announced Scotland's economy is set to reopen at the end of April.

Nicola Sturgeon made the announcement to Parliament this afternoon, where she set out a timeline of when we can expect restrictions to ease.

A further document is expected to be published during the middle of March detailing the reopening of the economy and a more in-depth timeline of what we can expect from late April onwards.

The First Minister stated travel restrictions are likely to remain in place for some time yet after seeing the number of positive cases rise due to travel during summer last year.

The 'Stay At Home' message is also likely to stay in place until the 5th April.

Indicative Dates

The First Minister set out a route map for the coming weeks – but will seek to accelerate easing if transmission of the virus continues to fall. The phases will have at least three weeks in between them.

15th March

• Next phase of school returns including rest of primary years and more senior pupils back for at least part of their learning
• Outdoor non-contact group sports to return
• Four people from two households can meet outdoors

5th April

• 'Stay at home' message will be lifted
• Any final phase of school return will go ahead
• Communal worship can restart
• Removal of click and collect restrictions
• At least six people from two households can meet outdoors

26th April

• Move to level 3 in the tiered system with reduced restrictions – all parts of the country in level 4 move into level 3 and after to lower levels
• "phased but significant" easing of restrictions – non-essential retail, hospitality, gyms, hairdressers can all reopen

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