Relief as ‘Freedom Day’ arrives at last
Theatres and music venues reopen after rules relaxed
Perth and Kinross residents yesterday woke up to a region free from the vast majority of coronavirus restrictions for the first time in over 16 months.
The region moved beyond level zero yesterday (August 9) with most of the physical distancing and selfisolation rules now scrapped.
Relieved local punters can now have a drink in pubs while standing at a bar and nightclubs, live music venues and theatres can finally reopen.
So-called ‘Freedom Day’ also saw the law requiring residents to maintain physical distancing when visiting shops or hospitality venues removed.
Limits to the size of social gatherings have also been increased, with capacity limits of 2000 people indoors and 5000 people outdoors for events now allowed. Although, some exceptions may be possible by applying for permission to the local authority.
A double vaccinated adult with a negative PCR test who is identified as a close contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID will no longer be required automatically to self-isolate for 10 days.
Those arriving from countries on the amber list no longer have to quarantine if they have been double-jabbed.
People will still have to wear face coverings in public indoor spaces and public transport.
Customers will still be expected to register their details when visiting entertainment and hospitality venues with the Test and Protect service
The Scottish Government is also continuing to advise people to work from home where possible.
As for education, pupils and teachers in secondary schools will continue to wear face coverings and the one metre social distancing rule will remain for at least six weeks.
Whole classes no longer need to self-isolate when a pupil tests positive, with only the closest contacts of positive cases required to test and isolate.
All school staff and secondary school pupils will be asked to take a lateral flow test one or two days before they return to school for the new term, then twice a week thereafter.
Perthshire North MSP and COVID recovery secretary John Swinney said: “The move beyond level zero is a significant step on our journey back towards normal life.
“With the removal of most of the remaining legally-imposed restrictions, we are all able to enjoy considerably more freedoms than at any point over the past 18 months.
“However, we cannot become complacent, nor pretend that the virus no longer poses a threat.
“To that end, the Scottish Government has kept in place some mitigations, such as face coverings indoors, to ensure that we are able to continue suppressing the virus.
“This hard-won progress would not be possible without the sacrifices of individuals and families across Perthshire, and I am profoundly thankful for their efforts.
“Additionally, we must pay tribute to the extraordinary success of the Scottish vaccine rollout, which has played a pivotal role in allowing us to relax restrictions.”
Meanwhile, planters utilised in Pitlochry Main Street to give greater space for pedestrians when social distancing measures were being enforced have been donated to a local care home and school. The planters were provided by Perth and Kinross Council as part of the Spaces for People measures during lockdown.
Four of the planters are going to Balhousie Care Home and the remaining ones are being donated to Blair Atholl Primary School.
Highland ward councillor John Duff said: “The planters have served their important purpose by allowing visitors and locals a bit more space at key locations along the main street.
“Their presence has meant that people could step aside safely where the pavements were particularly narrow in the town centre.
“However, with the removal of social distancing restrictions out of doors, it is time to return the main street to something a bit nearer to normality.
“I am delighted that the council has agreed to donate the planters to Balhousie Care Home and to Blair Atholl Primary School, where I am sure they will be put to good use for the enjoyment of the residents, staff and children.”