Summary

  • Nicola Sturgeon confirms that restrictions will be eased, but face masks will be required "for some time to come"

  • The first minister tells a virtual sitting of the Scottish Parliament that caution is still needed with rules easing at a "responsible pace, not an irresponsible pace"

  • She confirms that from 19 July wedding and funeral limits move from 100 to 200 people and it will not longer be necessary to book two-hour slots in hospitality

  • In England all legal restrictions, including those associated with face coverings, will be removed from next Monday. However, masks would still be "expected and recommended" in crowded indoor areas

  • Ms Sturgeon says she hopes that it will still be possible for most legal restrictions to end on 9 August in Scotland

  • From that date "blanket" self-isolation requirements will no longer apply to those who have been double vaccinated and whose tests come back negative

  • Scotland's Conservative and Labour leaders voice criticism of the Scottish government's vaccine rollout programme and test and protect system

Live Reporting

BBC Scotland News

  1. Douglas Ross questions five areas of Covid uncertainty

    vax centreGetty Images

    Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross asks whether additional resources will be given to contact tracing, what is being done to increase vaccine rollout and whether long Covid clinics will be set up.

    He also asks when the government will set out rules on self isolation in schools and whether the lifting of restrictions in August will be impacted if vaccine targets are not met.

    On Test and Protect, Ms Sturgeon says it is "always under pressure" when cases are rising, but the government was "making resources available as appropriate".

    On vaccine rollouts, she says two issues have affected pace - the first being supply, which she has no concerns about, and the second is the advised eight-week gap between doses, which was expected. She says Scotland is achieving the same performance as England here.

    Long Covid services are continuing to be developed as knowledge develops, she says.

    A decision on schools will be set out "well ahead of the new term" when the JCVI makes a decision on vaccinating younger people.

    And as for restrictions easing, she says Scotland is "on track" to meet its vaccine milestone.

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  2. What is level zero in Scotland?

    shopPA Media
    • In level zero, up to eight people from up to four households can meet indoors at home - compared to six people from three households in levels 1 and 2.
    • Up to 10 people from up to four households can meet in a public indoor space – such as a pub or restaurant.
    • And up to 15 people from up to 15 households can meet outdoors - whether in a private garden or public place.
    • Children under 12 already don’t count towards the total number of people. From Monday, they will not count towards the total number of households ether.
    • In level zero up to 200 people can attend weddings and funerals.
    • Soft play centres can open
    • And for hospitality businesses, there is no requirement for customers to pre-book a two-hour slot to go to a pub or restaurant.
    • However, customers will still be required to provide contact details to assist Test & Protect. And they will still be required to wear face coverings except when seated.
    • There will still be limits on the size of events and stadia attendances - but these will increase outdoors to 2,000 seated and 1,000 standing, and indoors to 400.
    • As of now, organisers will be able to apply to stage larger events.

  3. 'This government believes measures like this matter'

    Nicola Sturgeon's statement on the continued use of face coverings in Scotland alludes to the new arrangements for England announced by the UK government.

    If government believes measures like this matter, and this government does, we should say so. We should do what is necessary to ensure compliance and we should be prepared to take any resulting flack from those who disagree. We shouldn't lift important restrictions to make our lives easier and then expect the public to take responsibility for doing the right thing anyway.

    Nicola Sturgeon, First minister

  4. Your Questions Answered

    Can you give clear guidance for Scottish Weddings taking place in August?

    Question from Carina in Aberdeen

    BrideGetty Images

    If Scotland moves beyond level zero, as planned, on 9 August then almost all Covid restrictions, including physical distancing, will be removed for businesses and individuals.

    This will mean that you will be able to dance and sing at weddings from this time.

    Some protection measures will remain, including good hand hygiene and cleaning, and continued compliance with contact tracing.

    In level zero up to 200 people can attend a wedding but after 9 August there will be no limit.

    The Scottish government said more guidance will be provided nearer the time.

  5. Has the peak of the 'third wave' passed?

    Covid infection rates in Scotland are still at the same level as they were in January, but they are now falling, Scottish government figures show.

    As the daily number of reported cases fluctuates significantly, it's more helpful to look at a seven-day average of this figure.

    This average peaked at 3,454 on 4 July and it's been falling since then - although it did rise slightly today.

    Cases chart

    However, the number of Covid patients being treated in hospital has not yet started to fall.

    This figure has been mainly rising since 5 May, when there were 58 people in hospital. There are currently 506 Covid patients in Scottish hospitals, with 41 being treated in intensive care.

    See more figures on the state of Scotland's pandemic.

  6. 'Hospitality remains a risky environment'

    tableGetty Images

    Level zero hospitality customers will no longer have to pre-book a two-hour slot for a pub or restaurant but will still have to supply contact details for test and protect purposes.

    And face coverings will still be required except when seated.

    The size of events will still be limited - to 2,000 seated, 1,000 standing outdoors and 400 indoors.

    Larger events will now be possible.

    Nicola Sturgeon says that indoor hospitality, despite the sector's "sterling efforts" does remain a relatively "risky environment" particularly late at night.

  7. No quarantine for people coming from amber countries

    The FM also says from next Monday, self-isolation will no longer be required for people arriving from countries on the amber list.

    This is provided they are fully vaccinated through a UK vaccination programme and take a PCR test on the second day after arrival.

    "We will continue to take a precautionary approach to the inclusion of countries on the amber list," she says.

  8. Self isolation for double jabbed to end after level zero

    vaccineGetty Images

    The FM concludes setting out her intentions for moving beyond level zero in August.

    Firstly she says those who have received two doses of the vaccine who are close contacts of someone with Covid will no longer have to self isolate.

    This is providing at least two weeks having passed since the second dose - and the individual takes a PCR test that comes back negative.

    "We will publish guidance on the practical operation of this shortly," she says.

  9. Analysis

    These changes mean we are now in unknown territory

    Lisa Summers
    BBC Scotland Health Correspondent

    In the face of such high numbers of Covid cases, the plan used to be: Impose a strict lockdown and bring the virus under control. But instead we are now doing the opposite.

    Lifting more restrictions, allowing even more social interaction, which inevitably will mean the numbers go in one direction - up.

    But there is not the same clamour from medics and scientists here in Scotland for the first minister to slam on the brakes. Instead they support this gradual approach that allows time and flexibility to change the plan if there is a major shift in the data.

    Nevertheless, we are in unknown territory. Vaccine uptake overall has been extremely high in Scotland, but there are plenty of younger people who still need a first jag, let alone the protection of a double dose.

    That means an acceptance that some people will get the virus and some may have to live with long term effects. Plus the possibility a new mutation may emerge.

    The first minister has often used the phrase "unprecedented" to describe where we are, and today is no different.

  10. Your Questions Answered

    How many people can attend an outdoor party?

    Question from Isabel from Glasgow

    Garden partyGetty Images

    The original level zero restrictions stated up to 15 adults from 15 households could attend an outdoor party.

    Under 12s do not count towards the total number of people meeting outside.

    But during an update to the Scottish parliament last month the first minister said she hoped to lift it altogether from 19 July, with no limit at all for outdoor gatherings.

    However in her statement on Tuesday Nicola Sturgeon confirmed that for “precautionary reasons” she intends to keep the 15 limit in place for now.

    Ms Sturgeon said there will be no requirement to distance within these groups of 15 as meeting outdoors is less risky than indoors.

    But she said for the next three weeks at least, there will be a requirement for 1m distancing between different groups of 15 who meet up outside.

  11. Physical distancing and working from home remain
    Breaking

    From Monday 19 July, all parts of Scotland not currently there will move to level zero.

    However, this move will be made with certain modifications.

    • These include hospitality venues being required to close at midnight.
    • In indoor public places where there isn’t already a 1m rule in place, the physical distance requirement will reduce from 2m to 1m and will apply between different household groups.
    • Outdoors, a limit on the size of outdoor group gatherings will be kept at 15.
    • For the next three weeks at least, there will be a requirement for 1m distancing between different groups of 15.
    • A gradual return to the office has been postponed until after 9 August at least.

  12. FM says 'gradual approach' is best for health and economy

    young peoplePA Media

    The FM pre-empts the reasoning for the coming "modifications" saying Covid "remains a threat" - largely due to the risk of long Covid in young people and the spread of the Delta variant in other countries

    "A gradual approach stands the best chance of minimising further health harm and loss of life," she says, adding it will be sustainable and better for the economy long term.

  13. 'Final stages' of vaccination programme

    Today's figures show 3,941,571 people have received the first dose of the Covid vaccination, that 17,163 more than yesterday.

    And 10,263 got second doses bringing that total to 2,903,557.

    Ms Sturgeon adds that more than 80% of 30-39 and two thirds of 18-29 year olds have had a first dose and all 18-29s have had a first dose scheduled.

    On second doses - virtually all over 60 year olds have now had both doses – uptake is 96% among 55 to 59 year olds, 89% in 50 to 54 year olds, and 61% in 40 to 49 year olds.

  14. Your Questions Answered

    How did the Glasgow Euro 2020 fan zone affect cases?

    Question from James from Edinburgh

    Scotland fans celebratingGetty Images

    Initial test and protect data found 55 positive Covid cases passed through Glasgow's Euro 2020 fan zone.

    The details emerged as organisers hailed the success of the month-long event at Glasgow Green, which mixed live matches with entertainment and activities.

    Billy Garrett, director of sport and events at Glasgow Life, told BBC Radio Scotland's Lunchtime Live this doesn't mean they contracted the virus at the open-air event.

    He added: "I think over that same period there were roughly 32,000 positive cases in Scotland and a lot of other cases were connected to other venues for watching the football.

    "Given that incredibly low number we see that as a bit of a confirmation that we managed to create that safe environment."

  15. Plea for all to get first and second vaccine doses

    vaccineGetty Images

    The FM urges those due to receive a first or second dose to get it "as quickly as possible".

    "It is the most important thing we can all do to protect ourselves and each other," she says.

    While cases seem to have "levelled off" she says, numbers are "still high" - more than twice the level when she last updated Parliament.

  16. Daily Stats: 2,529 new cases

    Ms Sturgeon gives us the daily Covid stats alongside her main announcement:

    • There are 2,529 new cases of Covid-19 reported, 11.5% of tests were positive.
    • There have been four more deaths following a positive test.
    • There were 41 people in intensive care yesterday, up by one, and 506 people were in hospital - 37 more than yesterday.

  17. Nicola Sturgeon confirms face coverings will continue after level zero

    maskPA Media

    The first minister begins her statement saying the mandatory wearing of face coverings will continue after Scotland moves to level zero next week.

    She says it will offer protection to those who are vulnerable who previously had to shield

    "Lifting all restrictions right now would put all of us at greater risk", she says, adding that it would make things much more difficult for the clinically vulnerable to go about their normal lives.

    It would also risk the imposition of shielding by default, she says.

  18. Scotland to move to level 0 with 'modifications'
    Breaking

    First Minister Nicola Sturgeon says Scotland will move to level 0 next week but there will be "modifications" which she will outline

  19. Businesses want changes to self-isolation rules

    bar workerGetty Images

    There are calls for the Scottish government to drop the ten-day isolation period for close contacts of positive cases if the contact is fully vaccinated.

    Nicola Sturgeon has said it is "under consideration" both generally and for certain occupations which have been adversely affected.

    The NHS has been hit hard by high numbers of staff having to self-isolate, as has the hospitality industry.

    Manorview Hotels boss David Tracey told Good Morning Scotland his venues had seen significant absences for several weeks, in staff who were "healthy, and who did not turn out to have the virus".

    And Musselburgh nursery owner Tracey O'Connor said she was hoping for a shift in position.

    Read the full story

    We are struggling with staffing. Four of our staff are self-isolating this week and this is making it very difficult to provide a childcare service. If I can't offer that service, parents can't work - so it's a domino effect. My staff can't work from home so I need staff in the building.

    Tracey O'Connor, Nursery owner

  20. What can we expect?

    Scottish parliament main chamberGetty Images

    Today's update will mark a significant milestone in Scotland's coronavirus response.

    It was due to be the announcement that saw the whole of Scotland move to level 0 on 19 July, ahead of a lifting of all legal requirements on 9 August.

    Recent high infection levels fuelled by the Delta variant led the first minister to say that these dates were "not set in stone".

    It could be that some but not all restrictions are eased, leading to what has been dubbed "level 0.5".

    Expect opposition parties to be critical of anything less than what was projected to happen during this update.

    Leaders have said this would create uncertainty for people and businesses that had been making plans based on the current timetable.