Lockdown Scotland: full list of Covid rule changes announced by Nicola Sturgeon

Nicola Sturgeon has confirmed that the bulk of remaining Covid restrictions in Scotland will be scrapped from Monday (9 August).

The First Minister announced the changes to MSPs in a virtual sitting of the Scottish Parliament today that the country can move beyond Level 0 - the lowest level of Scotland’s five tier system of restrictions - thanks to the “steady decline” in coronavirus cases, coupled with the success of the vaccination rollout.

Listed are the full list of changes to lockdown rules that will take effect in Scotland on Monday 9 August.

1. Face coverings

The legal requirement to wear face coverings will remain in some settings for “some time to come”, including indoor venues such as shops. Photo: Jeff J Mitchell

2. Social distancing

Social distancing will be scrapped in most settings, allowing greater capacity at pubs and restaurants, along with larger crowds at sporting events and concerts. Photo: Hollie Adams

3. Self isolation

Close contacts of people who test positive for Covid will no longer be required to automatically self-isolate for 10 days, providing they have been fully vaccinated. Contacts must take a PCR test and can end quarantine if they test negative. Photo: Shutterstock

4. Under 17s

Young people under the age of 17 will also be able to end self-isolation if they test negative, while those under five years old will be “encouraged”, but not required, to take a test. Blanket self-isolations for whole school classes will no longer be required. Photo: Ian Forsyth