How restrictions in Scotland are expected to ease in weeks and months ahead

THE people of Scotland finally have an idea of what life will look like beyond the levels of restrictions imposed as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Here, we look at the weeks and months ahead and what can be expected to change – and when.

Monday, June 28

A major change in the next three weeks are some of the rules on weddings and funerals.

Wedding service suppliers and others employed by the couple getting married will no longer count towards the cap on numbers at a wedding (200 in Level 0).

Those accompanying the couple down the aisle will no longer need to wear face coverings and, while live entertainment at receptions will be possible, people will still need to be seated at tables.

People from more than one household can help carry a coffin at a funeral from this date, and take a cord when lowering it.

Tuesday, July 13

The Scottish Government will confirm the outcome of its review of the current levels.

Sunday, July 18

By this point, all adults will have had the first dose of a coronavirus vaccine.

Monday, July 19

It is hoped the whole of Scotland will move to Level 0 if all the necessary vaccination and harm reduction measures are met.

Physical distancing will be removed outdoors – as will the limits on any informal outdoor social gatherings in private gardens.

Indoor public places will reduce to a one-metre rule if the data allows, with gathering limits also increasing to the current Level 0 rule of eight people from three households. Rules and processes in place for organised outdoor events will, however, remain, due to the nature of larger crowds.

These measures come three weeks after all over-50s have been fully vaccinated.

Monday, July 26

It is expected a second dose will have been given to all 40 to 49-year-olds in Scotland.

Monday, August 9

But just a few weeks later, the biggest change yet could come into force.

All major legal Covid-19 restrictions are set to be lifted if the same necessary conditions on vaccination and harm reduction continue.

Friday, August 20

All 30 to 39-year-olds will have had a second dose.

Sunday, September 12

Scotland is expect to have completed second doses for all adults.

Depending on the advice from the JCVI, booster jags could become available in autumn, along with the potential vaccination of 12 to 17-year-olds.