Coronavirus in Scotland: Nicola Sturgeon announces the country will remain in phase three

The First Minister addressed the Scottish Parliament on Thursday.

Nicola Sturgeon has announced that Scotland will remain in phase three of the route map out of lockdown.

The First Minister also warned that phase four may not be introduced at the next lockdown review in three weeks time.

As well as this, the Scottish Government are giving local authorities more powers to control hospitality venues in their area.

Local authorities will now be able to close pubs and restaurants or implement stricter controls if needed.

Police Scotland have also been given greater power of enforcement to break up house parties due to the risk of break out in indoor settings.

Gyms will be able to reopen on August 31 and outdoor live events and outdoor physical sports will start August 24.

Ms Sturgeon has said that there is no current date for offices to reopen, and has stressed that these restrictions are in place to ensure that schools can remain open.

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