Lockdown restrictions ease as country enters phase two

A number of lockdown restrictions will be eased from today, as the country moves into phase two of recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.

On Thursday, the First Minister announced long-awaited plans for those in at-risk “shielding” groups, with those affected allowed to exercise outdoors immediately.

From Friday, those in shielded groups can also take part in non-contact outdoor sports and activities like golf and tennis.

People who have been shielding are also allowed to meet members of one other household outdoors.

Nicola Sturgeon also announced that up to three households can meet outdoors per day in numbers of no more than eight.

During these outdoor meetings, you can go inside someone’s house to use their toilet, however you should avoid touching surfaces and thoroughly clean any you do touch.

Scots have been urged to stay within a roughly five-mile radius of their home for recreational purposes, although they can go further to visit family.

However, indoor meetings outside of people who form “extended households” will still not be permitted.

Further restrictions will be eased later in the month. On Monday, professional sport can resume, places of worship can reopen for individual prayer, dentists can treat patients and the construction sector can move to the next phase of its restart plan.

From June 29, outdoor markets, playgrounds and sports facilities will reopen in Scotland, along with attractions such as zoos and “garden attractions”, although visitors should not travel more than five miles from their homes and tickets should be bought in advance.

Non-essential shops will also be able to open from this date if they have outdoor entrances and exits.