The Scottish government has announced that, as of Friday, certain lockdown restrictions will be lifted.
By: Olivia Mackenzie Smith
Photo Credit: The University of Aberdeen
Earlier this week, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon informed the public that businesses such as hairdressers and barbers, garden centres, click and collect and homeware stores will be reopening on Friday 5th April.
The ease of restrictions also includes certain indoor hospitality businesses such as shops, cafes, and gyms.
This change in policy does not include a lift on the travel ban, however, and people are still being advised to stay within their local authority areas for at least the next three weeks.
These changes come as Covid death rates in Scotland “plummet” and vaccinations continue to be rolled out across the country.
However, the Aberdeen City area has seen a rise of cases by 38.2% in the last 7 days, compared to the previous week, with 15 new cases being reported on the 29th of March.
When speaking about the vaccination programme, the First Minister described it as “better than we could have dared hope” but maintained that people in Scotland should “stay local.”
“That means the current travel restrictions which prevent non-essential travel outside your own local authority area, will remain in place for another three weeks.”
It is hoped that this policy will allow higher education students to resume in-person teaching for practical subjects and that secondary school pupils will also be allowed to return full time after the Easter holidays.
