Coronavirus: Confirmed and indicative dates announced for further easing of lockdown restrictions in Scotland

The First Minister has announced key dates for the potential easing of some coronavirus restrictions.

While Scotland will remain in phase three of the road map out of lockdown for some considerable time, a number of changes could be made in the coming months.

Some key announcements from FM today particularly around re-opening of schools & for those who have been shielding. A number of *indicative* dates have also been announced by FM, summarised below.

We are making good progress (a fortnight of no Covid deaths) keep it up folks! pic.twitter.com/oDuYY0ZeVq

— Humza Yousaf (@HumzaYousaf) July 30, 2020

Here’s a list of the dates, some are confirmed and others are indicative.

August 1 (confirmed)

• Shielding will be paused

August 3 (confirmed)

• Routine eye care services can be provided within community optometry practices and in patients’ homes
• Restrictions on some support groups and services, as well as sports coaches, relaxed one relevant guidance implemented

August 11 (confirmed)

• Schools will be able to return fully, some local authorities will introduce a phased return

August 17 (confirmed)

• Urgent dental care involving aerosols may begin in practices for NHS patients

August 18

• Pupils should be back in school full time by this date

August 24 (indicative)

• Live events such as music and comedy allowed outdoors with restricted numbers
• Outdoor contact sports resume for all ages
• Bingo halls reopen with physical distancing
• Driving lessons resume
• Funfairs, amusement arcades, casinos, indoor bowling, snooker and pool halls reopen

September 14 (indicative)

• Non-essential workplaces should expect to remain closed until at least this date, and working from home will remain the preferable option for some time
• Sports stadia can reopen with limited spectators and distancing measures
• Indoor sport courts can reopen with distancing
• Indoors soft plays can reopen
• Swimming pools and gyms can reopen, but this could be brought forward to the end of August
• Live venues may be able to open from this date with limited numbers and distancing. This does not include nightclubs.