Coronavirus in Scotland - preparing to ease lockdown

Summary

Scots urged to 'stick with' lockdown rules for now
The first phase in easing lockdown restrictions in Scotland is likely to be next Thursday
'Path still not clear' for Scottish schools to reopen
Chocolate egg 'mountain' needs to be given away
NHS Highland investigating new confirmed case of Covid-19 on Skye
Health and care workers in Scotland are to be recruited for a vaccine trial
Scottish charity that runs bereavement helpline says the pandemic is causing "acute levels of grief"

Live Reporting

BBC Scotland News

Study finds mask wearing does reduce Covid transmission riskpublished at 07:16 British Summer Time 22 May 2020
Image source, Getty Images
Research from the University of Edinburgh suggests wearing a face mask reduces the forward distance travelled by an exhaled breath by more than 90%
Scientists testing the effectiveness of seven types of face covering – including medical-grade and home-made masks – found that they could all potentially help limit the spread of Covid-19.
However, some of the masks enabled strong jets of air to escape from the back and sides, which could pose a risk if a wearer turns their head suddenly, or if someone is walking behind them.
Quote Message
I have generally been impressed by the effectiveness of all the face coverings we tested. However, we discovered that some face coverings allow the emergence of downward or backward jets that people are not aware of and that could be a major hazard to others around them.”
Dr Ignazio Maria Viola, University of Edinburgh’s School of Engineering
Swinney on schools' return: Pupils will have to be 'thinned out' in the classroompublished at 07:07 British Summer Time 22 May 2020
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Further confirmed case of Covid-19 on Skye being investigated by NHS Highlandpublished at 06:54 British Summer Time 22 May 2020
Image caption,
Ten residents have died in an outbreak at Home Farm care home
Local MSP and Scotland's Finance Secretary, Kate Forbes, says she understands the coronavirus case is not connected with an outbreak at a care home on the island, where 10 people have died.
About 60 residents and staff at the Home Farm complex in Portree have tested positive for Covid-19.
Ms Forbes said that there was currently no evidence of further community transmission.
NHS Highland said it has contacted all those directly affected, given them appropriate advice and is organising testing.
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First minister joins last night's Clap for Carers eventpublished at 06:41 British Summer Time 22 May 2020
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Watch how Scotland marked last night's latest Clap for Carerspublished at 06:38 British Summer Time 22 May 2020
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Coronavirus: Piping, singing and clapping for key workers
Good morningpublished at 06:27 British Summer Time 22 May 2020
Image source, Getty Images
Welcome to Friday's live coverage of the latest developments in the coronavirus crisis in Scotland.
On Thursday the first minister unveiled her strategy for lifting Scotland out of lockdown.
Nicola Sturgeon set out a four-phase route map that will allow people to meet someone from another household outdoors, sunbathe and take part in some sports, as long as social distancing is maintained, from next week.
The Scottish government also said schools would return on 11 August and takeaway and drive-through outlets will no longer be discouraged from re-opening,
However "non-essential" indoor shops, cafes, restaurants and pubs must remain closed during the first phase.