More dates for lockdown easing tomorrow
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon says the coronavirus pandemic has shown "the very best of Scotland'' three months after the country went into lockdown.
She told the daily Scottish Government briefing: "Our communities have rallied together in support of those in need, to check in on neighbours, to help people with shopping or simply to offer a friendly face.''
For shielded people, the First Minister said that images of grandparents reuniting with their families over the weekend after the easing of lockdown measures showed how difficult the last three months had been for them.
Mrs Sturgeon she would be announcing dates for moving to the next phases of the Scottish Government's route map out of lockdown on Wednesday, ahead of when she had planned to do so.
She said: "Tomorrow, I'll be able to provide further detail on the timing of some of the specific steps in that journey.
"I'll be able to do so tomorrow ahead of when I thought just a few days ago that might be possible.''
On social distancing, the First Minister said the scientific advice was still in support of two metres despite Prime Minister Boris Johnson's announcing a reduction to 1m in England from 4th July.
But she added that the Scottish Government's scientific advisory group has been asked to look into the possibility of reducing physical distancing in some settings.
They are expected to report to the First Minister by July 2.
She said: "Until then, the position here in Scotland remains the same. We are asking people to keep two metres physical distancing.
"Any changes from other parts of the UK, while we will look at the evidence underpinning those very carefully, will not apply here at this stage.''
Another 4 paitients have died in Scotland in the last 24 hours after testing positive for coronavirus taking the total to 2,476.
8,182 people have tested positive for the virus in Scotland, up by 12 from 18,170 the previous day.
There are 865 people in hospital with confirmed or suspected Covid-19, a decrease of two in 24 hours.
Of these patients, 21 were in intensive care, up by six.
Ms Sturgeon said this was down from 221 patients in ICU on April 12.
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