Scotland set for 2 more weeks of lockdown
Last updated 18th May 2020
Nicola Sturgeon says she will publish a "route map'' on Thursday for the paths out of lockdown in Scotland, but indicated the current restrictions could remain in place for at least another fortnight.
The First Minister said the reproduction rate of the virus will be outlined, along with taking into account the findings of the weekly National Records of Scotland report.
If progress is made in reducing the spread of the virus, the First Minister said there could be changes made after the next review date, due at the end of May.
Ms Sturgeon said changes could include some sporting events being allowed, the opening of garden centres and letting people meet those from other households, provided social distancing is followed.
The First Minister also said that more will be said about when schools might reopen.
"Within two weeks, my hope is that we will be taking some concrete steps on the journey back to normality.
"As I've said before, it won't be normality as we knew it because the virus will not have gone away, but it will be a journey to a better balance - I hope - than the one we have today.
"As we take each step, we must make sure that the ground beneath us is as solid as possible.
"That's why sticking with the lockdown restrictions a bit longer to suppress the virus more is so important, because that will mean we can start to take these steps with the confidence that we have alternative means of effectively keeping it under control.''
The First Minister said for the moment there is no change to the lockdown advice currently being circulated by the Scottish Government.
Health Secretary Jeane Freeman has also announced testing is to be made available to all care staff, regardless of whether a case has been reported at the home in which they work or if they have symptoms.
Ms Freeman said that she would give details of the new scheme in the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday.
The change was made following clinical advice'', according to the Health Secretary.
In order for the testing to be effective, the Health Secretary said the tests will need to be carried out on a "repeating basis'', adding it will help to protect staff and residents.
The Health Secretary also announced an extension to a scheme at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, as well as Glasgow and Edinburgh Royal Infirmaries, which made parking free for staff until the end of September.
She said: "What that does mean is that in a small way, we are able alleviate some of the worry and upset that's caused to our staff as they do so much to help protect all of us."
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