What new rules mean for you and your family
NICOLA STURGEON yesterday announced Scotland would enter phase two of easing lockdown with some restrictions relaxed.
However, the First Minister revealed this would not all happen from today and will instead be phased over a series of weeks.
Here we explain what this means for you and your family.
Q. Can grandparents now hug their families or stay with them?
A. Like in England, people who live alone - including grandparents- can now form ‘extended households’ with one other household. This means they can go indoors, stay over night and hug their families.
As well as grandparents, couples who live alone will be able to stay with each other for the first time in nearly 13 weeks.
However, this only applies to people who live alone, or live with only children aged under 18. And ‘extended households’ must only be with one other property – you cannot have multiple options.
Q. What about larger households – can they visit others indoors or throw dinner parties?
A. No, Miss Sturgeon has said that while up to three households can now meet together outside they must not enter other people’s homes. Socialising must remain outside – but, you can enter someone else’s property to use the toilet, meaning barbecues or outdoor dining is more likely.
Q. Can people who have been shielding now leave their homes?
A. Yes. People who have been shielding can now meet up with family or friends from another household. But, the restrictions remain slightly tighter – with meetings limited to just one other household and they cannot enter another house even to use the toilet. Those shielding can also now take daily exercise outside but must avoid shops and public transport.
Q. Will pubs and restaurants be opening?
A. Unfortunately, Miss Sturgeon won’t allow pubs or restaurants to open quite yet – even those with outdoor seating areas. Instead, this will be reviewed on July 2, with it likely that outdoor areas could then reopen. However, it could be nearer August before we see the inside of a bar, cafe or restaurant.
Q. What about shops, can they open yet?
A. Again, not yet. However, nonessential shops will be able to reopen from June 29. This only includes those with a door onto the street meaning shopping centres should remain closed.
Q. Are face coverings now mandatory?
A. From Monday face coverings or masks will be mandatory on all public transport. This includes buses, trains, taxis, ferries and trams. Anyone who fails to cover their nose and mouth while using public transport will face a fine of £60 which can rise to £960 for repeat offenders. However, Miss Sturgeon said she is still to decide if people should be forced to wear face coverings in shops – the current guidance is that you should.
Q. Can you take your children, niece, nephew or grandchildren to the playpark, zoo or other outdoor attractions?
A. Playparks will reopen from June 29, alongwith zoos and outdoor garden attraction. Sports courts will also reopen to allow for family and friends to meet up and play games together. However, Miss Sturgeon has asked that families remain within five miles of their homes - so they should not travel between cities to visit attractions.
Q. Are staycations and camping allowed?
A. No, staycations and camping are not permitted. Restrictions remain in place meaning families should travel no further than five miles from their homes for recreational purposes. However, the Government is planning to open up Scotland’s tourism sector on July 15 meaning staycations should be possible from then.