March 3, 2021
The reopening of Scotland’s economy – including shops, bars, restaurants, gyms and hairdressers – is expected to start in the last week of April, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced last week.
There would be a “progressive easing” of restrictions before then, with four people from two households allowed to meet outdoors from 15 March. All primary and more secondary school pupils could return from that date. It is hoped to lift the stay at home restriction on 5 April.
There is likely to be a gap of at least three weeks between each easing of restrictions to assess the impact of changes, and to check that it is safe to proceed further using the six conditions for safe easing set out by the World Health Organisation.
Four phases
Phase 1: (commenced 22 February) early learning and childcare and schools open for Primary 1-3 pupils and senior phase pupils for essential practical work. Limited increase in the provision for vulnerable children. Care homes opening to facilitate meaningful contact between relatives/ friends and residents.
Phase 2: (unlikely before 15 March) – more school reopening – Non-contact outdoor group sports for 12-17 year olds. Socialising rules eased, to allow outdoor meetings of 4 people from 2 households.
Phase 3: (at least three weeks later – possibly 5 April) stay-at-Home requirement removed. Third and final phase of schools reopening if required. Places of worship can open on a restricted numbers basis. Essential retailers list expanded slightly and click-and-collect resumes for non-essential retail.
Phase 4: (possibly 26 April) limited other easing within Level 4, including permitting non-essential work in people’s homes. Return to variable Levels approach. This will enable the graduated opening up of economic and social activity.
The six conditions for safe easing set out by the World Health Organisation are:
This is valid as of 3rd March 2021.
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