News

Scotland has entered the second phase of easing lockdown restrictions as of Friday 19 June 2020.

Over the coming weeks shops will start to reopen, work will resume in certain industries, and some of the rules about meeting other people will be relaxed.

The current status of the epidemic in Scotland means that the changes in Phase 2 will be introduced in stages, rather than all at once.

But not all the changes will take place at the same time – so what can you do in Phase 2, and when?

From Friday 19 June

Meeting people: You will now be able to meet people from up to two other households outdoors, either together or separately.

While these do not always have to be the same households, the Scottish government’s advice is that people should not meet more than two other households in one day. As in phase one, there should not be more than eight people in a group.

If you are meeting in someone’s garden, you will be able to use their toilet – although you should avoid touching surfaces and clean anything that you touch.

Those who are shielding are now able to go outdoors for exercise, and from Friday they will also be able to play golf and take part in other non-contact activities.

They will also be able to meet people from one other household in groups of up to eight people – but are advised to be “extremely cautious”, stick to quiet areas, and stay at least two metres away from other people at all times.

In addition, people who live on their own, or only with children under 18, can form an extended household group.

They will be able to meet people from one other household indoors, with no physical distancing, and can also stay overnight.

However, you can only be a part of one extended household – and they should not include anyone who is shielding.

From Monday 22 June

Public transport: Face coverings will be mandatory on buses, trains, trams, planes, taxis and private hire cabs, as well as enclosed areas on ferries.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said this would be “increasingly important” as more people start to use public transport again as more workplaces and public services are reopened.

People are still being asked to work from home wherever possible, and to stay in their local area during Phase 2.

That means not travelling more than five miles for leisure and recreation – although that limit does not apply to meeting family and friends.

The government says it wants to lift the limit on travel in Phase 3, with tourism due to resume from 15 July.

Dentists will be able to see patients with urgent care needs from Monday. Places of worship will also reopen – but only for individual prayer, not communal worship. Professional sport can also resume, although – since strict public health restrictions remain in place – this will only be behind closed doors.

The construction industry will be able to move to the next phase of its restart plan.

From Monday 29 June

Stores of all sizes will be able to reopen – but only if they have outdoor entrances and exits.

That means indoor shopping centres will have to remain closed until Phase 3, except where they contain essential shops.

Retailers and councils are being asked to ensure that physical distancing and hygiene measures are in place ahead of reopening, and that steps are taken to manage queues, pedestrians and cyclists.

Outdoor markets will also be able to open, as will outdoor sports courts and playgrounds.

Zoos and garden attractions will also be able to open again, although you should not travel more than about five miles to visit them – and tickets should be bought in advance.

While non-essential offices and call centres must remain closed, factories, laboratories and warehouses will be able to reopen – subject to strict physical distancing, hygiene and health and safety guidance.

Businesses are being advised to arrange staggered work times for their staff, agree flexible working where possible, and ensure that it is safe for their employees to get to work.

Restrictions on moving house will also be lifted.

Marriages and civil partnerships will be allowed to take place outdoors, with limited numbers, and registration offices will reopen for essential business.