Lockdown in Aberdeenshire and Moray: First Minister relaxes shielding measures
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The people most vulnerable to Covid-19 have been told by Nicola Sturgeon that restrictions will begin to ease further from tomorrow.
At the start of lockdown about 170,000 people deemed at the highest risk – including cancer patients and the elderly – were asked to shield at home.
However, from Friday onwards they will be able to:
- meet indoors with up to eight other people from up to two other household as long as physical distancing is in place.
- meet outdoors in groups of up to 15 people from a maximum of four other households.
- go to outdoor spaces in pubs and restaurants.
- go to indoor shops and pharmacies in indoor markets.
- attend hairdressers and barbers.
- visit museums, galleries, libraries and cinemas.
- use public transport and taxis, as long as face coverings are worn.
At today's briefing, the First Minister said: "It's now almost four months since we asked those considered to be at the greatest risk from this virus to shield.
"At that time there was a very high risk that you might be exposed to the virus and therefore shielding was necessary to keep you safe.
"I know that shielding has been incredibly difficult.
"It has separated you from your family and loved ones.
"It has restricted you in virtually every aspect of your normal lives.
"And there are very obvious very real potential harms to your mental health from extended isolation."
"That's easy for me to say – but the reality is I actually find it hard to fully imagine how hard it must have been."
Ms Sturgeon added that shielding would be suspended completely from August 1, provided infection rates continued to drop.
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