Last of the locked-down businesses anxiously await latest review

Businesses still closed under lockdown restrictions are hoping to hear today when they might be able to reopen.

Sectors including gyms, dance schools and soft play remain shut and are among those waiting for an update.

But First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is not expected to make any major changes to the coronavirus restrictions currently in place when she announces the outcome of the latest review of lockdown.

She will give a statement to MSPs at the Scottish Parliament later today.

Scotland is dealing with a number of coronavirus clusters – most notably in schools and at a chicken factory in Perthshire.

The local coronavirus lockdown in Aberdeen has also been extended by another week.

Sturgeon said yesterday she was “not yet in a position” to say the local Covid-19 outbreak in the city “is over or is completely under control”.

When she gave her last review on July 30, the First Minister warned Scotland may have to stay in phase three of her four-part plan for lifting lockdown restrictions for some time.

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.

But Sturgeon did 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 that 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.