Image source, PA Media

• Scotland will move to level zero next week with "modifications", with the first minister saying a "gradual approach" is best for public health and the economy
• These modifications include midnight curfews on hospitality, continued physical distancing and limits on gatherings
• The wearing of face masks will continue to be mandatory as lifting the rule would put "all of us" at greater risk, but particularly the most vulnerable
• With 2,529 new cases reported, the first minister says cases have "levelled off" but are "still high"
• Self isolation is to end in August for Covid contacts, providing they have been double vaccinated. Similarly, people returning from amber countries will no longer have to quarantine from Monday again providing they have had both doses
• The FM promises to publish guidance on restrictions in schools "well ahead of the new term", including an update on the self isolation policy
• Despite being questioned on the speed of the vaccine rollout, Ms Sturgeon insists the constraining factors are supply and dosage intervals - not because of anything the government has done

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The GMB union has issued a warning over the possibility of changes to self-isolation rules, saying "don't go there".

Senior Organiser for Public Services Drew Duffy says unions were told on Tuesday morning that exemptions were being considered because of understaffing crises in the NHS and social care sector.

But he says those problems were "well understood" by ministers and employers pre-Covid and they "didn’t act".

He adds that the move would only anger and concern staff who were "already absolutely exhausted and undercut", while confirming their safety was not a priority for the government.

Businesses face challenges over self isolation and eventspublished at 16:05 British Summer Time 13 July 2021

16:05 BST 13 July 2021

Douglas Fraser
Scotland business & economy editor

Business will be disappointed that the continued requirement for self isolation for those in proximity to people testing positive for Covid.

That is taking a toll on firms currently seeing large numbers of workers required to stay at home, meaning some are having to close temporarily. That won’t be eased until the next phase rules, scheduled for 9 August. And even then, those without double jags will still have to isolate.

They are more likely to be young, and much of hospitality depends on young workers. They will have to close up at midnight, contrary to expectations of a move to flexible, local licensing rules. This is not just for Cinderella and vampires, but because those still carousing after 12 are less likely to be observing distancing rules.

Outdoor gatherings also remain constrained, with a maximum of 15 people. With that limit, little of this summer’s events industry looks salvageable, though it’s over to economy secretary Kate Forbes to negotiate application of the rules for events that are already planned.

Image source, Getty Images

A mixed response comes from the Scottish Tourism Alliance, who are relieved to move forward, but say it is 'not the level zero' they envisaged.

CEO Marc Crothall says the changes will be the closest to normal the industry has experienced since the beginning of the pandemic.

He said there was good news for the wedding and events sector with the removal on outdoor distancing requirements for groups of 15 to allow guests to mingle, but said he was disappointed this was not brought forward to Friday to allow more freedoms at weddings this weekend.

But he remains concerned about the effects of self-isolation rules.

Image source, Getty Images

A leading figure in the retail industry says the government's announcement on restrictions will likely "further push back recovery" for city centres and high streets.

Ewan MacDonald-Russell, the Scottish Retail Consortium's head of policy, points out that face coverings and physical distancing will still affect staff and customers.

He says: "Whilst government views rising case numbers as justification for a deceleration on the path back to normality, that doesn’t mean the pressures on businesses aren’t also real.

"The Scottish government needs to be prepared to consider how best to support struggling retailers if the return back to normal trading continues to take longer than anticipated."

Image source, gett

The announcement that Scotland will move in tandem with England's travel quarantine rules has pleased travel businesses.

Passengers returning from amber list countries will not need to quarantine on their return if they are fully vaccinated.

Jacqueline Dobson, the president of Barrhead Travel said that it was encouraging with a few weeks left of the school holidays.

And she expected booking demand would be high over the coming weeks.

No 'freedom day' but businesses want claritypublished at 15:48 British Summer Time 13 July 2021

15:48 BST 13 July 2021

Douglas Fraser
Scotland business & economy editor

The words you’re not hearing from Nicola Sturgeon are ‘Freedom Day’. Instead, this is more like Caution Month, to follow 15 others, as the ratchet is gradually eased.

For business, this puts on hold, at least until 9 August, the permission to let office workers return to their desks. That is a big loss for city centres, where footfall has taken a big hit from the loss of commuter custom in cafes, bars, restaurants and shops.

It also comes at a cost to public transport operators, who will want continued subsidy to plug the revenue gap.

Much more welcome for businesses is an easing of the distance rules indoors, down for everyone for two metres to one, allowing them to re-arrange their space, and accommodate more people.

For hospitiality, it no longer requires advance booking to get a table to eat, so there should be more passing trade. And they like clarity.

In contrast with the rules announced for England on Monday, shops, hospitality and public transport can be clear that the law still requires face covering. It is not open to individuals’ or staff interpretation.

So legal liability for infection is not a private company’s concern, and the first minister is saying she’s willing to take any flak that’s going. Nicola Sturgeon makes the case that gradual easing stands the best chance of being sustainable, and so long-term, that approach is better for the economy. The week before the 9 August changes, expect further caution for the next stage.

When will there be more clarity around education?published at 15:42 British Summer Time 13 July 2021

15:42 BST 13 July 2021

Question from Jessica from Ingliston

Image source, Getty Images

The need for young people in school, college or university to self isolate if they are close contacts of positive cases is being reviewed as part of preparations for the new academic term.

The first minister tells MSPs the Scottish government has asked its education advisory group for advice on whether the requirement, which causes significant disruption to young people and their families, can be removed.

She adds the group's conclusions will be set out "well in advance of the new term".

Nicola Sturgeon also confirms she is still waiting on advice from the UK's Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation as to whether children over 12 should be vaccinated.

The Scottish Chambers of Commerce is disappointed in the modified level zero framework.

Chief executive Dr Liz Cameron said that the progress on 19 July would be an "encouraging milestone" towards the full re-opening of Scotland's economy.

However, she said the modified framework deviated away from what businesses had been preparing for and that moving the goalposts at this late stage would cause uncertainty, negatively impacting on business confidence and recovery.

She said her view was to that we should continue on the path set out towards the lifting of all restrictions on the 9th of August as planned

The number of NHS staff self-isolating has doubled in a monthpublished at 15:36 British Summer Time 13 July 2021

15:36 BST 13 July 2021

Lisa Summers
BBC Scotland Health Correspondent

Image source, Getty Images

Easing restrictions is likely to lead to a rise in people testing positive for coronavirus.

The argument from the first minister is that this is manageable as vaccines are creating a good ring of protection against serious disease and death.

But it creates another problem. More positive cases means more of their contacts having to isolate, all with the potential to seriously disrupt key services like schooling or the NHS.

The number of NHS staff either sick or isolating due to Covid has doubled over the last month. As the health service deals with an increase in Covid patients alongside higher than usual levels of non-Covid admissions, this becomes increasingly difficult to manage.

Senior medical staff wanted a rethink of the rules around self isolation, most have had two jags, they also wear PPE at work and are regularly tested.

They will be pleased to hear the plan is to remove them after 9 August provided people are double vaccinated and test negative.

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) Scotland has praised the move to level zero with modifications.

Policy chair Andrew McRae said it was good news for smaller businesses bound by the 2m social distancing rule but said the announcement did little for the events industry.

He also said that the big key date for business would be 9 August.

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First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has provided an update on Covid restrictions:

From Monday 19 July, all parts of Scotland will be at level zero, however, there will be modifications.

These include: hospitality venues being required to close at midnight; physical distancing in indoor public places and postponing the instruction to return to the office.

• Under the new rules, 15 people from 15 households will be able to meet outdoors.
• Physical distancing will remain between groups of 15 for at least another three weeks.
• The mandatory wearing of face coverings will remain in place “for some time to come”
• There are 506 people in hospital – 37 more than yesterday.
• There are 41 people are in intensive care - 1 more than yesterday.
• There were 4 more deaths were reported in the past 24 hours
• The intention is to remove the blanket requirement for close contacts to self isolate, as long as they are double vaccinated. This will happen beyond level zero, possibly 9 August
• The government is looking at whether it can remove the self isolation requirement for young people in schools who are close contacts of positive cases
• From next Monday, self-isolation will no longer be required for people arriving from countries on the amber list, provided they are fully vaccinated through a UK vaccination programme and take a PCR test on the second day after arrival.

What’s the situation on face coverings on public transport?published at 15:20 British Summer Time 13 July 2021

15:20 BST 13 July 2021

Question from Scott in Glasgow

Image source, Getty Images

UK Health Secretary Sajid Javid said masks would still be "recommended" on public transport in England, but people without a face covering would no longer be fined after restrictions are eased on 19 July.

But in Scotland the first minister has confirmed face coverings will remain mandatory on public transport when the country moves to level zero on Monday.

Nicola Sturgeon also tells MSPs it is "highly likely " that the mandatory wearing of face coverings will remain the Scottish government's position when all Covid restrictions are lifted on 9 August.

She adds: "I think wearing a face covering is a something that we are likely to be required to do for some time yet."

Ms Sturgeon says face coverings are a "small price to pay" to protect those at the highest clinical risk from the virus.

And she tells MSPs she does not want Scotland to become a two-tier society where the most vulnerable have to "shield by default."

The largest hospital in the Highlands is no longer on "code black" status.

Raigmore Hospital in Inverness had reached capacity last week amid increasing Covid cases.

All non-urgent elective surgery was cancelled, as was outpatient activity - with the exception of areas including cancer and urgent procedures.

However NHS Highland said the situation was no longer considered to be code black, and thanked staff for their efforts.

Read more

Willie Rennie, in his last question as Lib Dem leader, brings up hospital "code blacks", closed pharmacies and waste unlifted due to high numbers of key workers self-isolating.

He asks if there is a plan for a "test and release" system so these people can return to work.

He also highlights a lack of services during the pandemic for adults with special needs and their families.

On this, the first minister says that physical distancing has prevented many services and the reduction to 1m indoors will enable many services to restart.

On hospitals pausing non-Covid treatment, she says this is kept to the shortest time period possible.

On self-isolation, she says that she hopes to move away from the blanket requirement for close contacts to isolate for 10 days. Ms Sturgeon is considering ahead of that if that system can be introduced for key groups including health and social care.

She says she is discussing this with trade unions but is mindful when speaking of this, those working in those services may see if as giving less protection to them.

A decision will be announced in due course.

She also pays tribute to Mr Rennie,who announced his resignation yesterday, for "a good shift" of ten years.

Nicola Sturgeon makes caution her messagepublished at 15:07 British Summer Time 13 July 2021

15:07 BST 13 July 2021

David Wallace Lockhart
BBC Scotland political reporter

Image source, PA Media

Nicola Sturgeon made her strategy clear when she said “I will always err on the side of going more cautiously”.

England is returning towards normality at a quicker rate, and UK ministers have conceded this could result in very high case numbers. But Nicola Sturgeon wants to emphasise restraint.

She mentioned a couple of times that she will not take the easy option “for good headlines”.

A statement aimed at Boris Johnson? He of course maintains his changes for England are the right moves at the right time. Despite the cautious tone, most level zero changes are going ahead in Scotland from next week as planned.

An obvious point of divergence from England – face coverings. While laws around face coverings in England will be repealed shortly (they’ll still be encouraged), Nicola Sturgeon made clear they’ll stay here “for as long as necessary”. It feels like they’ll be one of the last measures to go.

Image source, Getty Images

Greens co-leader Lorna Slater asks whether it is too early to restart large indoor events which are largely staffed by young people - and could they become super spreader events.

The FM says the question is "perfectly sensible" and that she will always "err on going more cautiously".

Ms Sturgeon says the government is trying to ensure over-18s are vaccinated as "quickly as possible" - a "key priority" - and adds that the government is not taking an upper limit off restrictions on large events.

Organisers still need to go through an application process if they wish to host numbers above the limit, she explains.

And in reference to the UK government's plans for "freedom day", she says to "declare premature victory against the virus is a fool’s paradise".

Image source, PA Media

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar says what the FM has announced is not "a clear strategy" to cope with the new phase of the pandemic.

He says the new phase requires a new approach, he says Test and Protect has not been maximised and says Scotland's vaccine rollout has slowed.

He asks Ms Sturgeon to pandemic-proof our workplaces and schools and again brings up a potential move to a four-week gap between vaccine doses.

Ms Sturgeon says that Mr Sarwar has just given some "glib soundbites" and "irresponsibility".

She says no devolved government has gone against the JCVI on vaccines and says the dosage interval given by the JCVI remains eight weeks and if advice changes the government position will change.

The FM says they want to make schools and workplaces as safe as possible but to underplay the complexities of that does no one any favours.

She says that the government is doing more work around ventilation in schools but that it takes time and the best clinical advice.

She says advice for schools will be issued in time for the new term.

Ms Sturgeon ends by saying that vaccine rollout is not slowing because of anything the Scottish government is doing. The constraining factors are supply and dosage intervals.

What is the latest on travel and returning from amber list countries?published at 14:51 British Summer Time 13 July 2021

14:51 BST 13 July 2021

Question from Thanasis from Edinburgh

Image source, Reuters

From Monday self-isolation will no longer be required for people arriving from countries on the amber list, provided they are fully vaccinated through a UK vaccination programme.

But the first minister confirms travellers must also take PCR test on the second day after arrival.

Ms Sturgeon tells MSPs: "We will continue to take a precautionary approach to the inclusion of countries on the amber list.

"And, notwithstanding this change, we continue to advise against non essential overseas travel at this time."

She also confirms that anyone testing positive for, or experiencing symptoms of, Covid will still be required to isolate for ten days.

Frustration for many families over self-isolation for childrenpublished at 14:51 British Summer Time 13 July 2021

14:51 BST 13 July 2021

Lucy Whyte
BBC Scotland education correspondent

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It will be frustrating for many families that there was no decision yet on whether children and teenagers will have to isolate in the coming school year.

Tens of thousands of pupils were at home at any one time during last term, the vast majority because they were Covid contacts not Covid cases.

In England, young people will not have to isolate when they return to school and the first minister's note that they are working on a plan here, is a nod to what she knows is mounting parent pressure to do the same.

Could we be in a position where children will have to face more severe restrictions than their vaccinated parents when it comes to isolation? That would be a hard sell and go against the government's position to make education a priority as we come out of this pandemic.

I expect by the time young people are heading back to school, they will be following the same rules as the rest of society.