FM managing expectations on lockdown review day
Last updated 20th Aug 2020
Scots are being told not to expect any major changes to lockdown restrictions when Nicola Sturgeon announces the outcome of the latest review.
With the Scottish Government required to formally review the measures every three weeks, the First Minister update MSPs at Holyrood on Thursday.
But with Scotland currently dealing with a number of coronavirus clusters, and with schools having reopened to pupils last week, it is not expected she will make any significant changes to the current arrangements.
When she gave her last review on July 30, Ms Sturgeon warned Scotland may have to stay in phase three of her four-part plan for lifting lockdown restrictions beyond this point.
And as a move to phase four can only happen if ministers are satisfied that coronavirus is no longer considered a significant threat to public health, this is not likely to happen yet.
Ms Sturgeon, however, could give an update on indicative dates she has already announced for when some sectors could reopen.
She previously stated that organised outdoor contact sports and live events which take place outside, with physical distancing in place, could resume, with restricted numbers, from August 24.
Some indoor facilities, such as bingo halls, have been given the same date, which has also been suggested for the resumption of funfairs and driving lessons.
Meanwhile, non-essential offices, indoor pools, gyms and some indoor entertainment venues could return after September 14, the First Minister has previously suggested.
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