Summary

  • There have been 411 new positive coronavirus cases, which is 2.8% of all tests. Hospital patients who tested positive stands at 250, which is down nine, and of those 23 are in ICU, up one

  • However, a further 12 deaths linked to Covid-19 have been registered

  • Nicola Sturgeon says that despite some good news on statistics everyone needs to "remain hyper vigilant", adding there is no "room for complacency"

  • The first minister confirms that the current "stay at home" order will be lifted on Friday 2 April and replaced with a "stay local" message

  • Further restrictions are to be lifted on 5 April which will see hairdressers open along with click and collect services and garden centres

  • More significant changes are set to be phased in from 26 April, including a lifting of the travel ban within Scotland

  • Nearly 2.5 million people in Scotland have received their first dose of the Covid vaccine

Live Reporting

BBC Scotland News

  1. What can we expect from the first minister?

    Two weeks ago Nicola Sturgeon outlined a timetable of indicative dates for the easing of lockdown restrictions which have been in place since 26 December.

    The first minister s likely to confirm today whether the latest phase, starting with a lifting of the "stay at home" order, can go ahead as planned from this Friday, 2 April.

    Ms Sturgeon proposed that hairdressers and garden centres will be allowed to reopen from next Monday, 5 April.

    Three weeks later, on 26 April, people may be able to travel outside their own local authority areas, while that date could also see all shops, gyms and tourist accommodation reopen, as well as some indoor hospitality.

  2. Welcome

    A woman serves drinks in a barGetty Images

    Good afternoon and welcome to BBC Scotland's rolling coverage of the latest Scottish government briefing on the Covid-19 pandemic this Tuesday, 30 March 2021.

    Nicola Sturgeon will be giving an update on the latest timetable for easing restrictions, with the latest phase set to begin from Friday, 2 April.

    Joining the first minister will be chief medical officer Dr Gregor Smith and national clinical director Jason Leitch.

    You can follow the latest developments right here and watch or listen live by clicking on one of the tabs above - for coverage on BBC One Scotland, the BBC Scotland channel or BBC Radio Scotland.