Will happen next?

Medical services, weddings and pub gardens in phase two

FIRST Min ister Nicola Sturgeon is “optimistic” current strict lcokdown measu res cou ld be further eased next week.

In May the Scottish Government unveiled a four-phase strategy to bring the nation out of lockdown.

It is entirely dependent on eliminating Covid-19 in the country and successfully implementing a Test and Protect strategy.

Phase one began on Thursday May 28 after Scotland successfully kept the R-number – the rate of transmission – below one.

This allowed people more freedom to enjoy the outdoors, travel for recreation, meetings between small groups from different households, and the return of certain sports.

The lockdown measures are reviewed every three weeks, with the next review on Thursday June 18. On this date, Ms Sturgeon could decide whether

Scotland can progress to phase two of the exit strategy.

For it to begin, Scotland’s R-number must remain below one. This needs to be accompanied by a “sustained decline” in Scottish Covid-19 cases.

According to the Scottish Government’s route map, phase two would begin when coronavirus is under control but “the risk of spreading remains”, with the focus on “containing outbreaks”.

Signs pointing to a resurgence of the virus will be “closely monitored” under “enhanced community surveillance”.

The government framework suggests that in phase two Scots might be able to meet with larger groups outside, adhering to social distancing and also with another household indoors.

Other measures include: Weddings and other ceremonies could take place with limits on attendees; and beer gardens, small retail units and outdoor markets could reopen.

Family members could be allowed to visit relatives in care homes “in a managed way”.

Professional sport could return, in line with public health advice and playgrounds and sports courts will reopen.

The framework states Scots would be permitted to drive “locally” for leisure purposes. There is no mention of the current phase one five-mile limit.

Public transport services will increase – though new rules to stop the spread of the virus will lead to a “significantly limited” capacity. Peak-time travel will be discouraged.

From an educational standpoint, university lab research will be able to continue; and nonoffice-based work that has been deemed “non-essential” can resume subject to “relevant guidance” being agreed. This includes factories, warehouses and research facilities.

The construction sector will be able to kick-start the remaining phases of its “phased return” but home working will remain the norm for those who can.

From social work to the criminal justice system, public services will be scaled up – registration offices will be reopened; and places of worship could return for private prayer.

Dental practices could reopen for “urgent care needs”.

There could also be a phased resumption of certain screening services, increased home visits for those shielding, expanded range of GP services, resumption of essential optometry/ophthalmology and re-mobilisation of health and integrated joint boards.