Scotland has begun its most relaxed easing of coronavirus lockdown measures since the nation went into lockdown in March
Bars and restaurants, hairdressers and barbers, cinemas, tourist attractions, places of worship and childcare settings can now all reopen in Scotland.
Nicola Sturgeon, the First Minister of Scotland, has said that this is “the biggest step so far” in exiting lockdown, and she warned she would “not hesitate” to once again close the nation’s bars and restaurants if the virus starts to spread.
This comes after Boris Johnson has indicated at PMQs that he has not yet read the government-commissioned report that sets out urgent measures required to prepare for the potential of a second wave of COVID-19 pandemic, telling the Commons that he was only “aware” of it.
Speaking at the daily briefing, she added:

“I have to say I am even more nervous about today’s changes than I have been about earlier changes.”
“It is vital, more vital than it has been at any stage of this crisis so far, that all of us stick rigidly to the rules and guidance on how to behave in these different settings.”
The first minister said she would not hesitate to reverse changes if the virus gets out of control again.
She said: “If these rules are not respected and the virus spreads again then I am afraid I am going to be standing here in a few weeks’ time saying we’re shutting pubs and restaurants again.”
The reopening of indoor spaces in the country currently requires coronavirus precautions to be put in place and all customers visiting stores and other establishments will be asked to provide their name and a phone number, to be able to tract any COVID-19 cases present as part of the NHS Test and Protect scheme.

Staycation holiday accommodation sites are also allowed to begin operating, and business for the sector is set to boom in Scotland following new figures revealed a surge in bookings and demand for self-catering holiday accommodation.
Mr Hancock made these comments as he was setting out the government’s plan to make the wearing of face coverings compulsory in shops and supermarkets in England from the 24th of July.
Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers Chief Executive, Fiona Campbell, said: “Scotland’s self-caterers, like our colleagues across the UK, are experiencing significantly increased demand as people look to take time to relax and unwind in some beautiful places following a period of heightened stress and strain for all of us.”

“Much of the interest I’ve seen personally has come from Scottish guests who want a staycation in their own country.”
“Staycations offer respite and a chance to unwind while avoiding the hassle of flying abroad at the moment, so the upswing in demand is entirely understandable.”
“With a huge array of properties to choose from in a diverse selection of places across the country, Scotland’s £723million self-catering sector is well-placed to provide Scots with the staycation that many of us need at the moment and we look forward to welcoming as many guests as we can.”