Start of journey to a new normal

Sturgeon ‘nervous’ as restrictions eased Groups of eight can meet outside Some council services to return

Scotland will take its first tentative steps towards a new normal today as the country enters phase one of its fourphase journey out of lockdown. Scots will be free to meet people from another household once a day and sports such as golf, tennis, bowls and fishing will resume for the first time since the coronavirus outbreak forced unprecedented restrictions on the nation’s freedom.

Strict guidelines on physical distancing will remain in place and the public has been urged to “proceed with the utmost caution”.

It comes as a new “test and protect” system of tracing and isolating people who may have the virus is rolled out nationwide.

Speaking at her daily briefing in Edinburgh, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon confirmed that, from today, people can meet friends or family from another household outside (in private gardens or outdoor spaces) once a day, in small groups of up to eight.

Garden centres and plant nurseries can reopen some services, while “most outdoor work” can resume, with the construction industry able to carry out site preparation.

Sport or outdoor leisure activities, including golf, tennis, bowls and fishing, can resume so long as there is no contact and individuals adhere to social distancing rules.

Sunbathing in parks and other open areas is also allowed, while travel for recreation, preferably by walking or cycling, can take place.

Scots must, however, stay within their own local area – a recommended maximum distance of five miles – and not use public transport.

From Monday, teachers and other staff will be able to enter schools to prepare for the return of most pupils from August 11.

Household recycling centres are also scheduled to reopen from Monday.

Ms Sturgeon said there had been a “sustained and unmistakable” downward trend in the spread of Covid-19 over a number of weeks, meaning changes can now be made to restrictions in place since March 23.

Ms Sturgeon warned that “we have limited room for manoeuvre” and officials “need to get the balance right” to avoid a deadly resurgence of Covid-19.

And she said if the virus surges again, tight restrictions would have to be reimposed.

The first minister asked families to meet just one other group per day but clarified households can meet

“I don’t mind admitting to you I do feel a bit nervous”

different groups of people on different days.

She said: “I know how much all of you, all of us, will be looking forward to seeing family and friends for the first time in a while, but how we do this will be vital.

“Before you meet up with people from another household, you should stop, think, read the guidance and make sure you’re protecting yourself and others.

“In particular, you must stay outdoors and stay two metres away from people from the other household – that is crucial.”

The first minister said people should bring their own cutlery and crockery to picnics and barbecues and avoid using another households’ toilets. Ms Sturgeon said the easing was an important step “back to some kind of normality” but insisted it is “by necessity” cautious, and the lockdown is far from over.

“I don’t mind admitting to you that, as we take these first steps, I do feel a bit nervous.

“I worry that the limited changes we’re making to these rules might lead to much greater change in reality, and so I really need your help to make sure that is not the case.”

The first minister said how well the public follow the new practices will determine whether ministers can go further in the future.

The impact will be considered again when the three-week review phase ends on June 18.