First Minister to announce latest easing of restrictions

The First Minister is due to set out the latest easing of coronavirus restrictions in Scotland.

Nicola Sturgeon is likely to confirm the current ‘stay at home’ order will change on April 2 to ‘stay local’.

This will allow Scots to travel within a local authority area for non-essential purposes.

The move had previously been set out in the Scottish Government’s timetable for easing lockdown restrictions.

The First Minister will make the announcement during Tuesday’s coronavirus briefing.

The news comes as Scotland saw no coronavirus deaths reported for a third day and case rates across the four UK nations had dropped to a six month low.

In Scotland, the rate currently stands at 70.1, compared with 73.5 a week earlier and 69.5 two weeks ago.

Scotland’s roadmap out of lockdown will see hairdressers and barbers open from April 5, with some retail stores allowed to reopen and outdoor contact sports for 12-17-year-olds to resume.

It is hoped that from April 12, all pupils will be allowed to return to school full time.

Currently, four people from two households are allowed to meet outside and it is hoped that from April 26, this will expand to six people from three households.

Under the roadmap, April 26 will also see hospitality allowed to reopen until 8pm indoors and 10pm outdoors with restrictions on selling alcohol.