Families can finally meet up indoors

Families can meet up in indoor spaces as Stirling takes another step out of lockdown.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon yesterday (Thursday) announced that Scotland is now in Phase 3 of the government’s“route map” out of lockdown.

That means that from today, households can meet up to four other households at a time, with maximum gatherings of up to 15 people. In addition, households can also meet up to two other households indoors, with a total of up to eight people, including overnight stays.

From Monday, non-essential shops inside shopping centres can re-open.

The Thistles Centre director Gary Turnbull confirmed it will repoen on Monday, he said:“We would like to thank our shoppers for their continued support over recent months and look forward to welcoming them back into the centre once again.”

Also from Monday, dental practices can begin to see registered patients for “non-aerosol routine care”. Organised outdoor contact sports, play and physical activity can resume for children and young people under 18.

From Wednesday, places of worship can re-open for congregational services, communal prayer and contemplation with physical distancing and limited numbers.

Museums, galleries, monuments, libraries, various other visitor attractions and cinemas can reopen with physical distancing and other measures.

Hairdressers and barbers are also to reopen with enhanced hygiene measures. Additionally, indoor hospitality, including pubs and hotels, can reopen. All holiday accommodation will be permitted.

There will also be an easing of restrictions on attendance at funerals and weddings.

From Wednesday, July 22, students can return to universities and college campus learning with a phased return as part of a blended model with remote teaching. Other personal retail services such as beauticians and tailors can re-open from this date.

A number of sectors will also be able to operate with a reduced one metre social distancing policy.

The First Minister said: “I can also confirm we will allow, in a limited number of sectors, an exception to be made to the requirement for two-metre physical distancing, however this will be subject to strict conditions tailored to the circumstances of each sector.

“Let me stress the term‘exception’. The general rule remains two metres. For public transport and the retail sector this exception will be permissible from tomorrow, however it is essential that the required mitigations are in place and appropriate discussions have taken place with trade unions before it becomes operational in any particular setting.”

From today, face coverings will be mandatory in all shops.

According to the latest figures, a total of 55 people in Stirling have died as a result of coronavirus to date.

Statistics show 48 people in Clackmannanshire have also succumbed to the killer virus.

In Stirling, 19 of the 55 deaths have occurred within care homes, eight at home and 28 in hospital.

Across the NHS Forth Valley area, a total of 237 people have died. Of those, 119 took place in care homes, 24 at home and 94 in hospital.