Summary

  • Nicola Sturgeon tells her daily briefing that one of the biggest risk factors is "importation" of the virus from other countries

  • The first minister says international travel is vital so Scotland is lifting quarantine restrictions for many countries

  • People travelling from all countries rated Green will no longer need to quarantine on entry to Scotland. Some on the Amber list, including Spain, will still have to quarantine

  • From Friday, people who are "shielding" no longer have to physically distance from the people they live with. Other changes to shielding included "extended households"

  • Rishi Sunak announces "Kickstart scheme" to directly pay employers to create new jobs for any 16 to 24-year-old at risk of long-term unemployment

  • The chancellor also announces a temporary cut to VAT on food, accommodation and attractions from 20% to 5%

  1. Airborne transmission cannot be ruled out, WHO sayspublished at 08:06 British Summer Time 8 July 2020

    Woman on bench in visorImage source, AFP

    The World Health Organization has acknowledged there is emerging evidence that the coronavirus can be spread by tiny particles suspended in the air.

    The airborne transmission could not be ruled out in crowded, closed or poorly ventilated settings, an official said.

    If the evidence is confirmed, it may affect guidelines for indoor spaces.

    Read more

  2. 'Parents need to make decisions now'published at 07:56 British Summer Time 8 July 2020

    Good Morning Scotland
    BBC Radio Scotland

    The Scottish Childminding Association says that if restrictions are not removed by the time schools return full-time from 11 August, only 19% of childminding businesses believe they will still be financially viable in 12 months' time.

    SCA chief executive Graeme McAlister told BBC Radio Scotland: "Parents are working more flexibly and their need for childcare doesn't always fit traditional hours.

    "At the moment, there is only critical support for key workers and parents are having to chose between a single setting, a nursery or a childminder, so people are losing families.

    "The Scottish government has shown leadership over schools with a clear statement of intent. All we are asking for is for similar clarity.

    "Parents need to make decisions now, employers want to know when people are going back to work."

  3. Women's British Open & Scottish Open to go ahead in August without fanspublished at 07:40 British Summer Time 8 July 2020

    Suzann Peterson in action at the Women's British Open in 2015Image source, SNS

    The Women's British Open is to go ahead as planned at Royal Troon from 20-23 August, but without spectators.

    It will be the first women's major played this year after the coronavirus-enforced cancellation of the Evian Championship, which was scheduled for 6-9 August in France.

    The R&A will enforce strict health and safety protocol.

    It has also been confirmed the Ladies Scottish Open will take place at the Renaissance Club in North Berwick behind closed doors a week earlier.

    Read more

  4. Most Covid hospital staff have returned to their own jobspublished at 07:28 British Summer Time 8 July 2020

    Hospital wardImage source, Getty

    Most Scottish hospital staff who were dealing with coronavirus patients have now returned to their own jobs, health officials have confirmed.

    For three months from March, the NHS moved many staff into Covid-19 response teams, with some working at different hospitals from their usual bases.

    Many of the NHS's normal functions were postponed as the health service dealt with the impact of the pandemic.

    Officials said more activity could now be seen in hospitals.

  5. Scottish finance secretary makes fresh call for new powerspublished at 07:15 British Summer Time 8 July 2020

    Finance Secretary Kate ForbesImage source, Getty Images

    Scotland's finance secretary has repeated her call to be allowed to switch capital funding to day-to-day revenue.

    Speaking ahead of the UK Chancellor's summer statement, Kate Forbes also called for an end to "arbitrary" limits on borrowing.

    Ms Forbes said she was asking for "relatively limited powers".

    But she said the move would "ease some of the immense pressures on our budget" caused by the coronavirus crisis.

    The UK government says Scotland has already benefited from £3.8bn of Barnett consequentials as a result of increased spending in England during the pandemic.

  6. Here's a reminder of yesterday's headlines...published at 07:06 British Summer Time 8 July 2020

    Nicola Sturgeon
    Image caption,

    'We mess with this virus at our peril' - Nicola Sturgeon

    • Nicola Sturgeon called again for an £80bn economic stimulus package from Chancellor Rishi Sunak
    • The first minister insisted she would not 'simply rubber stamp' a UK list on air bridges - however an announcement on this could come today
    • A five-mile limit on travel for leisure purposes for parts of Dumfries and Galloway was lifted
    • Nicola Sturgeon hoped to confirm a move to Phase 3 out of lockdown on Thursday
    • One person died with Covid-19 in Scotland in the previous 24 hours
  7. Good morningpublished at 07:02 British Summer Time 8 July 2020

    Chancellor Rishi SunakImage source, AFP
    Image caption,

    Chancellor Rishi Sunak will outline his summer statement in which he could announce changes to stamp duty and VAT

    Welcome to live online coverage of the Covid-19 crisis from BBC Scotland.

    Chancellor Rishi Sunak will set out his summer spending stimulus package today, but what will it mean for Scotland?

    You can out everything you need to know here with us on this live page.