The First Minister has advised that all areas of Scotland will move to Level 0 with some modifications and outlined the new guidance which will take effect from 19th July 2021, these are:

• Up to 8 people from 4 different households can meet in a home;
• Up to 15 people from 15 different households can meet in a private garden or public space;
• The requirement for physical distancing from people within your group will be removed BUT groups must distance from each other by at least 1 metre;
• The use of face masks in shops, public transport and other enclosed spaces will still be required;
• You will no longer be required to book a 2 hour slot for restaurants and pubs and these venues can stay open until 12pm midnight;

The First Minister explained that these cautious modifications, particularly on the use of face masks, is being continued to assist people who are more vulnerable to feel comfortable to go back into public places and spaces rather than a return to “shielding”.

Walk in centres for the COVID vaccine (both 1st and 2nd dose for everyone aged 18 or over) are available in all Health Boards across Scotland and anyone can attend a walk-in centre to get either their 1st dose or, if they have had their 1st dose, their 2nd dose if they have been waiting 8 weeks or more for their 2nd dose.

You can also book your vaccine (1st or 2nd dose) online using NHS Inform.

If you have symptoms of COVID, you can continue to book a test using NHS Inform and free Lateral Flow Tests are also available to everyone in Scotland.

The Scottish Government’s guidance remains that people should work from home, where possible, until a further announcement is made on 9th August 2021.

A number of key things to help stay safe and stop the spread of COVID also remain in place:

1. If you have symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has COVID, you should book a test immediately and self-isolate;
2. If you are contacted by Test & Protect Scotland, you must self-isolate for 10 days;
3. You must continue to wear a face covering in shops, on public transport and in other settings such as restaurants and bars;
4. You should continue with other hygiene measures such as regularly washing your hands and cleaning surfaces.

The First Minister also advised that a survey will be going out to those “at highest risk” to explore what other supports they need from the Scottish Government.

More details are available from the Scottish Government website.