Good afternoon everyone, 

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon today announced the Scottish Government's route map to take us through, and out of, the Covid-19 crisis.

The guidance is split over four phases and covered schools, travel, seeing friends and family and much more. The first phase will start on May 28, with progress being assessed every three weeks. Further phases will be introduced if it is deemed safe to do so. 

Phase 1

Scotland is set to move into Phase 1 following the next review date on 28 May - but only if there is a continued reductin in the number of new infections, hospital admissions, and deaths from the virus. We've highlighted some of the key points in the first phase below: 

Phase 1 will let Scots...

• use public spaces for recreation e.g. sitting in the park, while maintaining physical distancing
• meet up with ONE other household in small numbers outdoors including gardens, while maintaining physical distancing
• travel to work in situations where working from home is not possible
• travel, ideally by bike or on foot, up to five miles for recreational activities
• participate in more outdoor activities such as golf, bowls, fishing, canoeing, hiking and outdoor swimming
  
  

Schools

Schools will reopen to pupils on August 11 under a 'blended' model involving part-time school and part-time home learning. Teachers and other school staff will return to work in June to prepare classrooms. 

Drive-throughs and takeaways

The government will no longer discourage takeaway and drive-through outlets from opening and garden centres will also reopen.

NHS services

The government also expects to restart NHS services, covering primary and community services including mental health.

For the full details of ALL four phases, please click here to be taken to The Scotsman website>>>

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