First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced changes to the current level four coronavirus restrictions. 

Abigail Taylor

Nicola Sturgeon addressed parliament on Tuesday 9th March 2021, explaining that up to four adults from two households will be able to meet locally in any outdoor space, including in private gardens, for social and recreational purposes as well as exercise from Friday 12th March 2021.

Changes were also made to outdoor sports, meaning that up to 15 adults can take part in outdoor non contact activity.

The First Minister acknowledged the speed of the vaccine rollout and that ‘the vaccination programme is progressing beyond our initial expectations’.  

It is believed that should progress suppressing the virus continue, the Scottish Government intends to reopen places of worship with attendance limits increased from 20 to 50 where there is space for social distancing on Friday 26th March 2021. 

Following backlash for Scotland’s roadmap out of the pandemic being too slow, this announcement will be the first set of rules to be reduced.

The First Minister explained: “I expect that further, more substantial changes will be possible in the weeks ahead, and I will set out as much detail as I can about that in Parliament next week. If the data allows us to relax more restrictions more quickly than we have previously indicated, we will not hesitate to do so.”

This change came with caution as the First Minister urged the nation to stick to the new rules: “I am certain that easing restrictions too quickly would be a mistake that we would regret. So do take advantage of the relaxations set out today. But please continue to stay within the rules.”

Ms Sturgeon also paid tribute to the people who had lost their life to the virus in the past 24 hours as well as acknowledging the upcoming anniversary of the national lockdown. 

She announced that there would be a national moment of silence on Tuesday 23 March to pay respect to those who had died as a result of the pandemic.