Quarantine lifted for travel from five more countries

Quarantine measures have been lifted for five more countries, including Latvia and Estonia.

It means Scottish holidaymakers do not have to self-isolate when they return.

The other three countries the Scottish Government has announced air bridges for are Slovakia, Slovenia and the Caribbean nation St Vincent and The Grenadines.

It comes after ministers lifted the restriction for holidays to Spain last week.

The latest additions add to the growing list of countries Scots are permitted to travel to without having to quarantine for 14 days when they get back.

The quarantine policy was introduced in June to try to avoid importing cases of coronavirus.

The inclusion of Latvia and Estonia means all three Baltic states along with Lithuania are now on the exempted list for holidaymakers.

Justice secretary Humza Yousaf said the decision came after a review of the prevalence of Covid-19 in these countries.

The government has repeatedly warned quarantine rules could be reinstated for countries where coronavirus cases rise.

Quarantine-free travel is permitted to countries where Covid rates are lower or not “significantly higher” than in Scotland.

Yousaf said: “Infection prevalence rates in countries across the world are being closely monitored.

“Where there is clear evidence that it is safe to do so, we will add further countries and we are now able to do that for Estonia, Latvia, Slovenia, Slovakia and St Vincent and The Grenadines.

“The virus remains infectious and deadly and, with quarantine restrictions being lifted, we must not become complacent.

“Anyone travelling should follow public health advice at all times including wearing face coverings, avoiding crowded places, washing hands and surfaces, staying two metres apart and, if they get symptoms, self-isolating and immediately registering for a test.”