First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced that Scotland’s current lockdown will remain in place until at least the end of February.

But it is hoped that schools will be able to commence a phased reopening from 22 February.

A “managed quarantine” system will also be introduced for all travellers coming into Scotland.

Nicola Sturgeon said current lockdown restrictions would last until at least the end of February (Getty Images)

It comes as Ms Sturgeon reported 136 coronavirus cases per 100,000 people in Scotland, with 1939 patients in hospital.

Here’s everything you need to know about Nicola Sturgeon’s update today, including what she said about schools reopening.

What did the First Minister announce?

Lockdown restrictions

Addressing the Scottish Parliament today (Tuesday 2 February), Ms Sturgeon said restrictions needed to continue as case numbers in the country remain too high and pressure on the NHS was “severe”.

She also said 73 per cent of all new cases were the more transmissible UK variant, and that five cases of the South African variant had been identified in the country.

The current lockdown restrictions, including the stay at home rule, will remain in place until at least the end of February.

However, she said if progress continues and as more people are vaccinated, the Scottish Government may be able to begin to ease restrictions at the start of March.

There will be an update on that decision in 2 weeks time.

New quarantine rules

The Scottish Government will introduce even tighter international travel measures to minimise the risk of new Covid strains arriving in the country.

A “managed quarantine requirement” will be implemented for anyone who arrives directly into Scotland - regardless of which country they have travelled from.

This is stricter than the current UK quarantine rules.

Ms Sturgeon added that her administration would be urging the UK Government to adopt a more comprehensive approach to quarantine.

The four nations had previously agreed that travellers arriving into the UK from “red list” countries would need to quarantine in hotels.

Schools and nurseries

Nicola Sturgeon announced a phased return of schools from 22 February.

From the week beginning that date, there will be:

- A full time return of early learning and childcare for all children below school age

- A full time return to school for pupils in primaries one to three

- A part time return, but on a very limited basis, for senior phase pupils to allow in-school practical work that is necessary for the completion of national qualification courses.

Initially, the government intends that there will be no more than around 5 to 8 per cent of a secondary school roll physically present at any one time.

This phased reopening is also subjected to continued suppression of the virus.

The plans will be confirmed in two weeks’ time, when it is hoped the next phase of the gradual school return can be set out, including a return of in-person teaching for universities and colleges.

There will also be an expansion of testing in schools and early learning childcare settings, with staff members and senior phase secondary school students being offered at home testing twice a week.

Testing expansion

Regular, routine testing of those without symptoms will be rolled out across the country, the First Minister announced.

From later in February, regular testing will be expanded to primary care workers in patient-facing roles such as GPs, dentists, optometrists, and pharmacists.

From mid February, regular testing will be made available to all staff who work directly with patients in hospices.

Regular testing will also be expanded in other health settings, such as addiction and mental health services.

There will be targeted testing in essential public service functions, including emergency service control rooms and NHS24.

And some industries, like food production and distribution, will be offered routine testing.

The government aims to expand targeted community testing, too, for everybody in a local area regardless of whether they have symptoms.

Community schemes have been agreed in seven local authorities in Fife, Grampian and Ayrshire and Arran.

Mobile testing units are already being used for community testing in Ayrshire, Arran, Dumfries Galloway, Scottish Borders and Forth Valley.

Ms Sturgeon also announced the extension of eligibility for the £500 isolation payment to include everyone on an income below the real living wage.

Nicola Sturgeon announcement: what the FM said in Scotland Covid update today - including on schools opening