A ‘new normal’ will be necessary after lockdown in Scotland

The Scottish Government has said that a “new normal” will be needed once lockdown restrictions are lifted.

In a paper that will be published later, guidelines will help chart a way forward once the Covid-19 restrictions begin to ease.

The paper will make clear that in the immediate future, some changes to everyday life will remain in place.

Aimed at starting a discussion around ongoing measures, which are still needed to contain the virus and protect lives, it is hoped the paper can start to chart a way back to normal life for society as a whole.

Speaking ahead of its publication, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “The lockdown measures currently in place are absolutely necessary to suppress the virus, protect our health service and to save lives. But we need to chart a way forward, and this paper sets out the principles that will guide us.

“The public across Scotland have acted responsibly in the face of this ongoing threat, and it is only right that we treat people like grown-ups by sharing our thinking with them on how we can move beyond the current lockdown phase. This paper is high level at this stage but will evolve into a detailed plan as our evidence develops.

“Life may not return to normal for some time yet, but there is a way forward, and ultimately we will come through this challenge.”