Shielding relaxed as infection rate falls
BY CHRIS McCALL
NICOLA Sturgeon has said shielding in Scotland will be paused as of August 1 – as long as the Covid-19 infection rate continues to decline at its present rate.
About 180,000 people were told by medics to remain at home from March as they were at the greatest risk of becoming seriously ill or dying from the virus.
But the First Minister said that as of today, they would be able to meet indoors in groups of up to eight people from up to two other households, as well as being able to visit indoor shops.
They will also be allowed to visit hairdressers and indoor attractions, including libraries and museums.
Sturgeon also said that “all current evidence” suggests the shielding programme will be paused in Scotland as of August 1.
When shielding began, 20 per cent of Covid-19 tests were returning a positive result and the number of new cases reached 300 a day in late March.
Yesterday, there were 16 new cases recorded while there has been just one death from the virus in the past two weeks.
Speaking at her media briefing, Sturgeon thanked Scots who had been shielding for their patience and said it had been an “incredibly tough” few months for them.
She added: “That’s easy for me to say – but the reality is I actually find it hard to fully imagine how hard it must have been.
“By doing so, you have protected yourselves, you’ve reassured your loved ones, and you’ve helped our health and social care services – so I offer a sincere and heartfelt thank-you to each of you for that.”
Those shielding can now also use public transport.