Full-time school return in Scotland by August 18
Pupils will be back in classes full-time by August 18, Nicola Sturgeon has announced.
The First Minister said schools can reopen from August 11 but some local authorities may chose to have a phased return over the first few days.
She said all schools should have reopened full-time by August 18 "at the latest''.
Schools were closed to most pupils at the end of March as coronavirus struck, with youngsters switching to an online-based learning model.
Previously, the Scottish Government proposed a blended model consisting of pupils being taught in school part-time and also learning at home on return after the summer break.
The First Minister told MSPs in a statement at the Scottish Parliament on Thursday that the suppression of the virus means she can now confirm full reopening dates.
She also confirmed no coronavirus patients have died in Scotland for the past fortnight.
Ms Sturgeon said the prevalence of coronavirus in Scotland is now at "very low levels'' - saying it was estimated that last week 300 people were infectious.
The First Minister also confirmed shielding for people who are greater risk of coronavirus will end on Saturday, meaning those in this category can follow guidance for the general population.
The latest modelling also shows the R number - the average number of people infected by each person with Covid-19 - remains below one, she said, but despite this "substantial'' and "hard-earned'' progress the virus is still circulating.
As a result, she said Scotland could not yet move into the fourth and final phase of easing lockdown restrictions
Ms Sturgeon said: "A move to phase four would require us to be satisfied that the virus is no longer considered a significant threat to public health.
"Unfortunately that is far from the case.''
Scotland will remain in phase three, she confirmed, and this could continue beyond the next review point of lockdown in three weeks' time.
The First Minister also gave indicative dates for the return of some sectors still in lockdown.
These include live events outdoors with physical distancing and restricted numbers from August 24 and organised outdoor contact sports from the same date.
Some indoor facilities, such as bingo halls, could also open again on August 24, as well as funfairs and the resumption of driving lessons.
She added: "We don't currently expect to implement any other changes before September 11.''
Ms Sturgeon added non-essential offices should remain closed until at least September 14, perhaps later.
This is also the indicative date for reopening indoor pools, gyms and indoor entertainment venues for events such as concerts - but not nightclubs.
A total of 2,491 patients in Scotland have died after testing positive for coronavirus, no change since July 16, Ms Sturgeon said.
She added 18,597 people have tested positive for the virus in Scotland, up 17 from 18,580 the day before.
There are 260 people in hospital with confirmed or suspected Covid-19, no change in the past 24 hours.
Of these, two patients are in intensive care, the same as on Wednesday.
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