Scotland is moving to Level 0 – these are the Covid restrictions that are easing

Nicola Sturgeon has confirmed that all of Scotland will move into Level 0 as of July 19, the lowest level of restrictions since the beginning of the pandemic. 

This means that as of Monday, the number of people who can meet indoors will rise to eight people from four households, with ten people from four households able to meet in an indoor public place such as a pub.

Additionally, 15 people from 15 households will be able to meet outside, hospitality businesses will be able to open until midnight, and soft play centres in areas moving from Level 2 will also be able to reopen.

However, the Scottish First Minister has called on businesses to allow employees to continue to work from home where possible until August 9. 

Ms Sturgeon stated in a virtual meeting of MSPs: “I know this will be disappointing for many businesses – and also some employees who are finding home-working hard.

“But this will reduce the extent to which people are meeting up in enclosed environments or travelling together, and so will help to contain transmission during this phase.”

Face masks will also be required to be worn in indoor settings, and nightclubs and other adult entertainment venues will remain closed.

Ms Sturgeon told MSPs the changes to original plans for easing were necessary “in light of the challenge we continue to face from the Delta variant.” 

What rules will change in Scotland on July 19?

From Monday, all of Scotland will move into Level 0, the lowest level of restrictions set since the beginning of the pandemic. 

As a result, 15 people from 15 households can meet outside and 10 people from 4 households will be able to meet inside, including in pubs and restaurants. 

Hospitality venues will also be able to stay open until midnight, meaning that pubs in Level 2 areas will now be able to remain open later. The two-hour booking slots will no longer be necessary from July 19, although customers much provide their contact details for Test and Protect. 

Furthermore, mass stadium events will also be able to admit more people, with 2,000 seated patrons and 1,000 standing. Indoor events will also be limited to 400 people.

Funerals and weddings – including post-funeral events and receptions – are now allowed to take place with up to 200 people and alcohol permitted. 

Additionally, people across the UK can travel between England, Scotland and Wales following the easing of border restrictions.

However, physical distancing and self-isolation measures will remain in place for at least another 3 weeks, in line with potential ending of measures on August 9. 

Can I travel to Scotland?

Travel to and from England is now allowed. 

Self-catering accommodation was allowed to reopen as of April 26.

The easing of lockdown measures in both England and Scotland on May 17 means that all accommodation, including hotels, hostels and B&Bs can re-open.

Under the system similar to that set out by the government in Westminster, countries will be classified as green, amber and red and a review takes place every four weeks.

However, self-isolation for those arriving from ‘amber list’ countries will end on July 19, providing that those travelling have received both doses of the vaccine through the UK’s vaccination programme and a PCR test is conducted on the second day after arrival.

Managed isolation will still be needed for countries on the ‘red list’.

Read more: Travel advice for holidays to Scotland