The First Minister today (23rd February) outlined plans for the easing of restrictions across Scotland over the coming months.
In response to this latest announcement Aberdeen Inspired CEO Adrian Watson said: "Respecting that public health takes primacy and with that the need for caution, expectedly, we have already received many messages from our businesses raising concerns over the need for more detail and what the tapered support will actually look like. For many enterprises in the city centre , these next few weeks and months are crucial and the longer the restrictions are in place the more need for commensurate financial support to ensure we have the businesses in place to re-open when it is finally deemed safe to do so."
The following easing of restrictions has been mapped out by Scottish Government, with dates dependent on data:
Indicatively 15 March:
- the next phase of school return, bringing back all primary school years and more senior secondary pupils
- outdoors non-contact group sports for 12-17-year-olds allowed
- outdoor mixing of four people from a maximum of two households allowed
From 5 April:
- hopes that the stay at home restriction will be lifted
- final phase of school return
- communal worship restart with restricted numbers at first
- six people from two households can meet together
- begin the reopening of retail, by expanding the definition of essential retail and removing click and collect restrictions
From 26 April:
- move back to levels system, with all of Scotland moving to level three, with some "possible modifications to the level"
- open the economy and society.