‘Brighter days ahead’
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Shops, pubs and hairdressers in Rutherglen and Cambuslang could be set to re-open from next month.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon unveiled plans out of the ongoing lockdown yesterday afternoon at Holyrood.
The current stay at home guidance will be lifted by April 2, and replaced by a stay local message, asking people to remain within their council region.
Under the latest proposals, hairdressers and barbers will be allowed to reopen from April 5, while non-essential retail stores can offer click and collect services again.
Homeware stores and garden centres will also be allowed to open again on that date.
On April 26, it is anticipated that all parts of mainland Scotland will move to a ‘modified’ tier 3 and travel restrictions between local authorities will be lifted from that date. Remaining shops, libraries, museums and galleries will reopen in full on that date.
April 26 will also see bars and restaurants allowed to serve alcohol outside to groups of up to six people, from three households, until 10pm, while food could be served indoors on a limited basis.
Numbers allowed to attend at weddings and funerals will be raised to a maximum of 50 people.
If coronavirus rates continue to decline, then May 17 would see further restrictions lifted, with the hospitality industry able to offer greater services, including serving alcohol indoors and the likes of cinemas re-opening.
Indoor home visits could also resume on that date, with up to four people from two households allowed to meet up.
Shops, pubs, restaurants and hairdressers have all been shut since the end of December as Scotland struggled against rising coronavirus rates.
However, the decline in cases, and the continuing rollout of the vaccination programme, have led to hopes of a more normal life resuming by the summer.
Speaking before MSPs, Ms Sturgeon said that “brighter days are ahead of us.”
She stated: “These changes will, I hope, make a real difference.
“This is the most hopeful I have felt in some time.”
The First Minister also added that the vaccine rollout has had a “significant impact” on transmission of the disease.
However, she also asked Scots to remain cautious and continue to take all precautions against the virus.
Ms Sturgeon also announced that there will be a minute’s silence across Scotland to mark the one year anniversary of the pandemic next week.
These changes, I hope, will make a difference. This is most hopeful I’ve felt