First Minister confirms Scotland WILL move 'beyond level zero' on 9th August
The changes, including the reopening of nightclubs, will come into force from Monday 9th August.
Last updated 3rd Aug 2021
The First Minister has confirmed Scotland will move beyond level zero from Monday 9th August, meaning nightclubs can reopen their doors for the first time since March last year.
Nicola Sturgeon announced the changes to the current restrictions virtually this afternoon.
It comes after the country moved to level zero on 19th July - with hopes a move to beyond level zero would follow three weeks later.
What changes can I expect from next Monday?
The changes, which come into force next Monday, mean no venues are now legally required to remain closed - meaning nightclubs can reopen their doors for the first time since March last year.
Physical distancing will no longer be a legal requirement indoors, but is still advised.
The First Minister also announced an end to limits on how many people we can meet up with.
Large events including festivals, concerts and football matches can go ahead - but for large scale events of more than 5000 outside or more than 2000 indoors, the organisers will have to apply for permission.
Outdoor physical distancing will also be completely removed.
What restrictions still remain in place?
Despite changes to the face covering rule down south, Nicola Sturgeon says face coverings are likely to remain mandatory in Scotland for some time.
The First Minister said the work from home message also remains in place - meaning employees are still being advised to work from home where possible.
Nicola Sturgeon encouraged employers to consider a hybrid model in the future - meaning working from home and the office during the working week.
In the speech, the First Minister confirmed local restrictions will be considered in the future to limit spreading of the virus - and travel restrictions will also be used to limit the spread of mutating viruses.
Changes to self-isolation rules
Hospitality venues will still be required to collect contact details of guests for contact tracing.
The First Minister also confirmed people with two doses of the vaccine will no longer have to self-isolate for ten days automatically if a close contact tests positive - instead they will have to isolate until they return a negative PCR test, and then their isolation can end.
The same rule is being brought in for 5-17 year olds, who are also able to end their isolation period if they return a negative PCR test.
Under 5's are being encouraged to take a PCR test if contact-traced, but it is not being made mandatory.
New rules for school pupils
Full classes will no longer be required to self-isolate, just close contacts at the highest risk of infection.
The First Minister confirmed for the first six weeks, most of the other mitigations will remain in place in schools including continued requirement for one metre distancing between teachers and pupils and retaining the current requirements for face coverings for staff and kids aged 12 and over.
The First Minister confirmed there are 1016 new cases of covid in the last 24 hours - which is 8.1% tests. There are 406 people in hospital, and a further 61 people in ICU. A further nine people have died in the last 24 hours after testing positive.