At-a-glance: What Covid restrictions are easing from May 17?

Most of mainland Scotland will move to level two of the Scottish Government’s five-tier Covid-alert system as scheduled from next Monday.

A decision will be made later this week on whether Moray should remain in level three. Covid rates – at 94 cases per 100,000 people – are around four times higher in that area than across Scotland as a whole.

Many of Scotland’s islands will move to level one due to vaccination coverage and low case numbers.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said on Tuesday that Scots will be able to hug their loved ones again as social distancing restrictions during meetings indoors or in private gardens are dropped.

Eight adults from up to eight households will be able to meet up outdoors from next Monday.

The FM also confirmed Scotland will join with the rest of the UK in implementing a ‘traffic light system’ for international travel from next week.

The Scottish Government’s updated framework on the planned easing of restrictions is available here and the key changes can be viewed at a glance below.

All of the indicative dates are subject to change in accordance with the prevalence of the virus and the progress of the vaccination programme.

From May 17:

Levels: Most of mainland Scotland will move to level two of coronavirus restrictions. A decision will be made on Moray later this week. The Western Isles, Orkney and Shetland will move to level one, as will all islands in the Highland Council area, except Skye. Most islands in the Argyll and Bute council area will also move to level one.

Socialising: Six people from three households can socialise indoors in a public place, such as a pub, cafe or restaurant. Six people from three households can also socialise inside a house and stay overnight. Eight adults from up to eight households are able to meet up outside.

Hospitality: Venues can open and sell alcohol indoors until 10.30pm or outdoors until 10pm.

Sport: Outdoor adult contact sport and indoor group exercise can restart.

Recreation: Cinemas, theatres, amusement arcades, casinos, bowling alleys, snooker/pool halls, and bingo halls can open.

Further education: Universities and colleges can return to a more blended model of learning. Non-professional performance arts can resume outdoors.

Worship: Communal worship can open, subject to capacity constraints.

Weddings and funerals: Up to 50 people can attend weddings and funerals

Stadia and events: Outdoor seated and open space events are advised to operate with a maximum capacity of 500 people. Outdoor grouped standing events are advised to operate with a maximum capacity of 250 people. Small seated indoor events are advised to operate with a maximum of 100 people.

Not permitted to reopen: Soft play, funfairs, nightclubs and adult entertainment must remain closed.

From early June:

Levels: Scottish Government plans to move Scotland into level one in early June.

Socialising: Under level one restrictions, up to eight people from three households can socialise indoors in a public place, such as a cafe or restaurant. Six people from three households can socialise inside a house. Twelve adults from up to twelve households are able to meet up outside.

Hospitality: Hospitality can remain open until 11pm.

Events: Attendance at events can increase, subject to capacity constraints.

Weddings, funerals and places of worship: Up to 100 people can attend weddings and funerals.

From late June:

Levels: The Scottish Government plans to move Scotland into level zero by the end of June.

Socialising: Under level zero, restrictions up to ten people from four households can socialise indoors in a public place, such as a cafe or restaurant. Eight people from four households can socialise inside a house. Fifteen adults from up to fifteen households are able to meet up outside.

Offices: A phased return of some office staff.