First Minister unveils plans to ease lockdown

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has unveiled plans to ease lockdown restrictions in Scotland but says social distancing could be in place for a year.

She says the current lockdown is damaging to the economy, as well as people’s physical and mental health.

Ms Sturgeon said it was key reproduction number, which measures the infectiousness of the virus, must be kept below one.

The best estimate from the government is that the current number sits between 0.6 and 1.0.

The First Minister went on to detail what looks to become Scotland’s “new normal” for the foreseeable future.

The report from the Scottish Government states:

• Some businesses will be allowed to reopen as long as strict social distancing measures are put in place
• Redesigns of schools and care homes may be required to ensure the social distancing can be practised in these settings
• Mass gatherings and large events look set to be banned for many months yet

Ms Sturgeon also says good hand hygiene and good cough hygiene must be fundamental habits.

She also said further restrictions or another lockdown could be imposed in the future if the virus once again becomes uncontrollable.