Coronavirus in Scotland - Covid-19 alert level reduced

Summary

Six more people who tested positive for Covid-19 have died, taking the total in Scotland by that measure to 2,470
The UK's coronavirus alert level is downgraded from four to three
SNP MSP and former health secretary Alex Neil criticises the plan to restart schools in August with blended learning, saying it is "just not acceptable"
Education Secretary John Swinney wants urgent talks with a group of newly-qualified teachers concerned about their employment prospects
Analysis shows people of South Asian origin are most likely to die from virus in hospital in Scotland, England and Wales
Pandemic has contributed to a sharp rise in number chasing each job vacancy in disadvantaged areas

Live Reporting

BBC Scotland News

Scottish Conservatives: What is the science behind the Scottish government plans?published at 08:47 British Summer Time 19 June 2020
The Scottish Conservatives' Murdo Fraser says the SNP government has not given "any clarity" about the scientific advice on which their lockdown plan is based.
He says there is no evidence to support Scotland's decision to move out of lockdown at a slower pace than the rest of the UK.
Image caption,
Murdo Fraser questioned the Scottish government's slower pace out of lockdown
Quote Message
When Nicola Sturgeon launched her route map some weeks ago, she was very clear that she would treat the Scottish population as adults. And yet we are not being told - businesses and parents and pupils are not being told - what the rationale is behind the relaxation of restrictions at the current rate.
Government is not balancing health and economy, says Murdo Fraserpublished at 08:37 British Summer Time 19 June 2020
Good Morning Scotland
BBC Radio Scotland
Murdo Fraser says he "absolutely agrees" that the first duty of any government is to look after the health and wellbeing of its people.
But he says the decisions being made by Nicola Sturgeon now will have far-reaching and negative consequences.
Quote Message
We know that one of the major impacts on health more generally is an economic recession. The longer we lock down, he more we risk recession, the more we risk higher unemployment and the more we risk job failures. Nowhere in this discussion with the Scottish government do we see a balancing of these two factors. That is the issue of lives being saved now and lives being lost in the longer term because we lock down for too long.
Murdo Fraser, Scottish Conservative finance spokesman
Families reunited and farewell to Vera Lynnpublished at 08:31 British Summer Time 19 June 2020
The further easing of lockdown restrictions and the death of the forces sweetheart feature on most front pages.
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Murdo Fraser: Businesses 'deeply disappointed' at pace of lockdown easingpublished at 08:24 British Summer Time 19 June 2020
The Scottish Conservatives have been less than impressed with the government's relaxation of lockdown restrictions.
The party's finance spokesman Murdo Fraser told BBC Scotland that people in the business, hospitality and tourism sectors were "deeply disappointed" at the pace of change.
Quote Message
We've also seen a shambolic situation allowed to develop in education. Parents are looking eight weeks ahead to schools supposedly reopening in August without any clarity at all about how education will be properly delivered for their children or how working parents are expect\ed to return to work full time.
Murdo Fraser, Scottish Conservative finance spokesman
Why is it still not safe for schools to fully reopen?published at 08:14 British Summer Time 19 June 2020
Good Morning Scotland
BBC Radio Scotland
Image source, Getty Images
Prof Leitch says schools reopening has taken on "a little bit of an iconic status" and he understands why.
But he says the Scottish government is not in a position "right now" to adjust its view on an August reopening with social distancing and blended learning.
Quote Message
We will advise the first minister what we think should happen in the next couple of weeks and then she and the deputy first minister in charge of education will make a judgement. The science of 'the distance' is not going to change. Everything depends on the level of virus in the country and on having a reliable test and protect system.
Prof Jason Letich, National clinical director
Dizzee Rascal, Beverly Knight and Sigala headline drive-in concertspublished at 08:05 British Summer Time 19 June 2020
Image source, Live Nation
Image caption,
The Live from the Drive-in stage will be playing to a crowd of cars
One of the UK's top promoters has found a way to bring live music back to Scotland.
Live Nation has announced Live from the Drive-in - a series of concerts where the audience is made up of socially-distanced cars.
Each carload of people is assigned its own square and music lovers can leave their car, move and dance, while staying within their designated box.
Scottish dates are taking place at the Royal Highland Centre in Edinburgh and at eleven other venues across the UK.
The Ingliston concerts will take place in August and include Ash, Tony Hadley, Bjorn Again, Russell Watson, Sigala and Cream Classical Ibiza. Promoters are promising more family events throughout the summer.
Tickets go on sale on Monday at 08:00.
Leitch on pub opening delay: 'Equally disappointed with the choice we have had to make'published at 08:02 British Summer Time 19 June 2020
Good Morning Scotland
BBC Radio Scotland
There is disappointment in the hospitality industry that outdoor pubs and restaurants have not be given the all-clear to reopen.
Prof Letich says he is "equally disappointed with the choice we have had to make".
But he says, for the good of everyone's health across the country, not all industry sectors can be opened at the same time.
Quote Message
I am very hopeful that, after further advice, one of the next things we will be able to do on 2 July is that those institutions will be able to reopen. It's only a couple of weeks away. I know it's hard - I'm not the one with furloughed staff or staff I have to pay and I completely understand the challenge there. But I hope that is the next thing we are able to do.
Prof Jason Letich, National clinical director
Moving forward with caution 'is the right thing to do'published at 07:51 British Summer Time 19 June 2020
Good Morning Scotland
BBC Radio Scotland
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon's move to phase two of lockdown restrictions being lifted has been described as a cautious approach.
But Scotland's national clinical director, Prof Jason Leitch, believes it is the right way forward.
Quote Message
I think we've maybe, in the last couple of weeks, lost sight that eight million people across the world have been infected with this virus. This isn't a virus to be taken lightly. This is a health crisis and an economic crisis. So, yes, it is gradual, but I think it is appropriate for this stage and I hope the reward for following these guidelines is further moves relatively soon.
Prof Jason Leitch, National Clinical Director
How quickly will the high street be able to bounce back?published at 07:39 British Summer Time 19 June 2020
Good Morning Scotland
BBC Radio Scotland
The reopening will be seen as a lifeline for retailers - but shopper confidence remains a big issue.
"The evidence we get from down south and across Europe is that we'll get an initial couple of very exciting days and then it's likely to be pretty difficult," says Ewan MacDonald Russell of the Scottish Retail Consortium.
He says that is why the industry is calling for some sort of economic stimulus package from the UK and Scottish governments.
Quote Message
That could be a VAT cut, or look at income tax cuts for lower earners. There are lots of levers that can be pulled to give people a bit of money. Because if they get out shopping, that's going to help jobs and save shops across Scotland.
Ewan MacDonald Russell, Scottish Retail Consortium
Shops 'need a week to prepare for reopening'published at 07:33 British Summer Time 19 June 2020
Good Morning Scotland
BBC Radio Scotland
Image source, Getty Images
As Scotland moves to phase two of the government's "route map" out of lockdown, some non-essential shops have been given the go-ahead to reopen from 29 June.
Many retailers hoped the move would come earlier - but the extra week may be a good thing, according to Ewan MacDonald-Russell of the Scottish Retail Consortium.
Quote Message
It's not just shops that need to be organised, it's about making sure that the whole high street is ready to go and that local authorities have plans for queuing. There's quite a lot of work that needs to be done so that people can shop confidently.
Ewan MacDonald-Russell, Scottish Retail Consortium
Plight of Scotland's zoos recognised with cash boostpublished at 07:19 British Summer Time 19 June 2020
Image source, Royal zoological Society of Scotland
The owners of Edinburgh Zoo and the Highland Wildlife Park described yesterday's announcement they could reopen on 29 June as "fantastic news".
But there's an extra boost, in the form of a £2.6m fund to help cover lockdown costs.
The pot will be split into £1.6m for grants and £1m for loans and will be made available to zoos and aquariums across the country for preserving animal welfare.
Zoos have faced significant difficulties throughout the lockdown, with reduced income resulting in shortfalls in funding.
The Scottish government said yesterday that zoos and safari parks could reopen to visitors who live within five miles.
To pee or not to pee: The big question in hospitalitypublished at 07:07 British Summer Time 19 June 2020
Douglas Fraser
Scotland business & economy editor
Image source, Getty Images
The buffet breakfast is off when hotels re-open for travellers. Guidelines published by the Scottish government say there should not be self-service food during the health crisis, due to risks with cutlery.
The advice suggests pre-packed food should be used for over-the-counter service. It goes on to tell customers that they have a role in reporting hospitality outlets that are failing to provide adequate infection controls for clients and for staff.
Travellers are told they have a responsibility to check on restrictions ahead of their journey. Firms are told to ensure boats and equipment that they hire out are safely prepared.
But one area that is left open in the guidelines is whether toilets should be provided for the public. It tells hospitality firms: “Due to the likely contained space of toilet facilities, careful consideration must be given to how these can be used safely and within guidance.
“Ensure you have checked and are following the guidance provided for safe use of toilet facilities.”
'Shocked and dismayed' at no pub reopeningpublished at 06:57 British Summer Time 19 June 2020
Colin Wilkinson from the Licenced Trade Association says the industry was making plans to reopen after yesterday's lockdown update but the announcement they were looking for did not come. And that could mean the end for some businesses.
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'Don't blame us for not following advice'published at 06:50 British Summer Time 19 June 2020
It is not the Scottish government's fault if bars and restaurants took staff off furlough expecting to come out of lockdown - says Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop.
Licenced traders were disappointed they were not given the go-ahead to open outdoor areas as further lockdown easing was announced.
Many made plans expecting the move to happen.
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New household meeting rules take effectpublished at 06:42 British Summer Time 19 June 2020
BBC News Scotland
Image source, Getty Images
New rules on meeting members of different households in Scotland are now live.
The country has now moved to the second phase of its four-phase "route map" aimed at ending the lockdown while continuing to suppress the virus.
Significantly, the changes include the formation of "extended household groups".
This enables certain people to visit another home indoors without social distancing.
Find out exactly what the new rules are and the difference between an "extended household group" and a "support bubble" are here.
So what did happen on Thursday?published at 06:32 British Summer Time 19 June 2020
Thursday marked another historic day in the coronavirus crisis as Nicola Sturgeon nudged Scotland into Phase 2 of the route map out of lockdown.
Easing is still cautious and gradual, but here is a recap of yesterday's announcement and the day's other developments:
- First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the R number remained under one allowing the country to move to Phase 2 of lifting restrictions
- "Street-access" stores, but not shopping centres, can open from 29 June.
- Face coverings will be mandatory on public transport from Monday.
- No plans yet for outdoor spaces in pubs and restaurants to open.
- Professional sport can resume from Monday - but only behind closed doors.
- Factories, laboratories and warehouses will be able to reopen from 29 June - subject to strict safety restrictions.
- Those who are shielding now able to go outdoors for exercise and from Friday are able to play golf and other non-contact activities
- Those not shielding can now meet with up to two other households outdoors but in a group of no more than eight.
- From tomorrow anyone who lives on their own - or only with children - can form an "extended group" with one other household.
- Restrictions on moving house will also be lifted on 29 June, with outdoor marriages and civil partnerships allowed.
- Bank of England announces £100bn in fresh stimulus to support the UK economy.
- At least 130,000 people more than expected have died during the pandemic, the BBC finds.
- Two further deaths have been registered overnight in Scotland and 23 people are in ICU with Covid-19.
Social bubbles and emerging from shielding - welcome to Fridaypublished at 06:27 British Summer Time 19 June 2020
Image source, PA Media
Welcome to Friday's live coverage.
From today, anyone who lives on their own - and lone parents - can form an ‘extended household group’ with one other household.
For many grandparents this means seeing and hugging family for the first time since lockdown.
People who have been shielding will also see their biggest change in months - as they can now take part in non-contact outdoor activities such as golf and meet outdoors with people from one other household.
We'll be looking at the difference the relaxed measures will have on these groups and bring you all the latest developments, including the Scottish government's daily briefing at lunchtime.