Good afternoon everyone,

A slightly earlier newsletter today as we bring you a brief run-down of the updates made to Scotland's routemap out of lockdown.

The Scottish Government has set out further dates on easing restrictions although it should be stressed that these are indicative and and depend on virus suppression.

The key stages are...

Phase 2

3 July - Self-catering accommodation and second homes can reopen; travel distance is relaxed

6 July - Outdoor hospitality including beer gardens can reopen subject to public health advice and physical distancing

Phase 3

10 July - People can meet in extended groups outdoors with physical distancing; households can meet indoors with up to a maximum of two other households with physical distancing

13 July - Organised outdoor contact sports can resume for children and young people subject to guidance; all dental practices can start seeing registered patients for non-aerosol routine care; non-essential shops inside shopping centres can reopen (following guidance and with physical distancing); increasing capacity within community optometry practices for emergency and essential eye-care

15 July - All holiday accommodation permitted (following relevant guidance); indoor hospitality (subject to physical distancing rules and public health advice); hairdressers and barbers with enhanced hygiene measures; museums, galleries, cinemas, monuments, libraries with physical distancing and other measures; all childcare providers 

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Joy Yates, Editorial Director