Those in Scotland Can Meet INDOORS From July 10th!

It’s been announced at the First Minister’s Questions Session today that those who live in Scotland will be allowed to meet up with two other households indoors from July 10th.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the move was possible thanks to the “real sustained progress” in suppressing the virus.

In addition, she said the five-mile travel limit will be lifted from July 3rd, while beer gardens can open from July 6th. Pubs and restaurants can fully re-open from July 15th as well as hairdressers, barbers and holiday accommodation.

The first minister said the changes depend on keeping the virus under control, and could be reversed if it was felt necessary to do so.

New data has demonstrated that the coronavirus death rate has continued to fall for the eighth week in a row, Sturgeon said that these “clear trends” meant “firmer milestones” for the journey out of lockdown.

Advisors are still reviewing whether the 2m (6ft 6in) physical distancing rule should be eased, but a range of different shops and services can now begin planning for re-opening in mid-July.

The government’s revised routemap said shopping centres and dental practices could fully re-open from 13 July, while optometrists can begin to scale up work.

From 15 July, all holiday accommodation can open up, along with indoor areas of pubs and restaurants and hairdressers and barbers.

Museums, galleries, cinemas and libraries will be allowed to resume business from the same date, as long as physical distancing and other safety measures are enforced.

And ministers have already announced that they are planning for schools to return full-time from August 11.

We’ll have more on this as it’s announced.