Scotland Reopening RECAP: Coronavirus lockdown eases across Scotland, pubs, shops and gyms reopen, loved ones are reunited on Monday April 26
The country moves from Level 4 to Level 3 of the Scottish Government’s five tiers of restrictions on April 26.
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Scotland Reopening LIVE: Coronavirus lockdown eases across Scotland, pubs, shops and gyms reopen, loved ones are reunited on Monday April 26
Key Events
- Country moves from Level 4 to Level 3
- Pub pints and museum visits are back
- Gyms, swimming pools, libraries can reopen
Scots shoppers urged to ‘spend and keep safe’ as stores reopen
Shoppers in Scotland have been reminded over mask-wearing and distancing as retailers look to claw back £4.1 billion in lost sales since the start of the pandemic.
From Monday, “non-essential” shops are allowed to open their doors to the public after being shuttered since Boxing Day, with millions spent on safety-proofing them against Covid transmission.
The Scottish Retail Consortium urged shoppers to queue considerately and be mindful over distancing and mask-wearing after “four long months of closure” for shops.
It expects an “initial surge” as customers venture out but said the “real test will be how this holds up”.
Director David Lonsdale said: “Retailers have spent millions of pounds to make shops Covid-secure for customers and colleagues.
“We encourage Scots to get out and visit their favourite shops over the coming weeks knowing every purchase they make and every item they buy is a local job supported and a high street helped.
“Unlocking consumer spending will be central to Scotland’s economic recovery and to bouncing back quickly.
“Many of us will be looking forward to returning to our favourite shop in the coming weeks and we all have a duty to keep each other safe.”
Pub pints and museum visits are back as Scotland’s coronavirus restrictions ease
afes, beer gardens, non-essential shops and museums are reopening in Scotland on Monday as lockdown easing continues.
The country moves from Level 4 to Level 3 of the Scottish Government’s five tiers of restrictions on April 26.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced last week that the continued suppression of coronavirus and the success of the vaccine rollout meant some restrictions can be lifted on Monday.
It means gyms, swimming pools, libraries and museums can reopen along with cafes, restaurants and beer gardens.
Hospitality will need to close at 8pm indoors, with alcohol only allowed to be served outside.
People will be able to meet others for a meal or drink, with up to six people from two households allowed to socialise indoors in a public place such as a cafe or restaurant.
Other changes include the resumption of driving lessons and tests while close contact services, such as beauty parlours, can also return.
Funerals and weddings – including post-funeral events and receptions – will be allowed to take place with up to 50 people and alcohol permitted.
Travel between Scotland, England and Wales will be permitted and tourist accommodation can welcome back visitors.
Non-essential work inside people’s homes – such as painting, decorating or repairing – can take place.
Adults on the shielding list can return to the workplace if they cannot work from home, while children who have been shielding can go back to school.
VisitScotland is calling on Scots to support the recovery of the tourism sector by enjoying short breaks, days out and staycations in Scotland.
Malcolm Roughead, VisitScotland chief executive, said: “It is clear that tourism has been one of the greatest economic casualties of the pandemic.
“We’ve had a year of very little investment, job losses and business closures – it will take time and significant investment to get us back to a thriving industry.
“With the right support, tourism and events can lead the economic recovery and boost inward investment where it’s needed most, but to do that the industry needs the support of people living in Scotland in the first instance.
“Many businesses are reopening after months of no trade, and with staycations set to be popular again this year, there is a real opportunity for us all to rally round and show our support for local tourism.”
Meanwhile the Scottish Retail Consortium (SRC) urged people to support the retail sector.
David Lonsdale, SRC director, said: “We encourage Scots to get out and visit their favourite shops over the coming weeks knowing every purchase they make and every item they buy is a local job supported and a high street helped.
“Unlocking consumer spending will be central to Scotland’s economic recovery and to bouncing back quickly.”
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