Stay local: Scottish coronavirus restrictions easing tomorrow, how 'stay local' rule is different from 'stay at home' and what else is changing

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon confirmed earlier this week that the next phase of lockdown easing will go ahead as planned from tomorrow.

The ‘stay at home’ message will be lifted and replaced with a ‘Stay Local’ one as of tomorrow, Friday, April 2.

The main difference between these orders is that from tomorrow, people will be able to make non-essential journey’s within their local council area, under the current stay home restrictions you are only allowed to leave your home or garden for an essential purpose.

Essential purposes include exercise, getting food or medication and providing support to someone vulnerable.

The 'Stay at Home' message is set to be replaced by the 'Stay Local' message from Friday.

For now, restrictions on non-essential travel across local authority boundaries will remain in place.

In her update on Tuesday, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: "I fully understand how frustrating that is for everybody. I share that frustration.

"Like many of you, my family live in a different local authority to the one I live in and so like anyone with loved ones in a different part of the country, I desperately want to see them in person.

"But the requirement to stay local is there for the moment for a good reason.”

Travel restrictions will remain in place across mainland Scotland but non-essential travel will be permitted in your local council area.

Further easing planned from Monday, April 5

Hairdressers

From Monday, April 5, Hairdressers and barbers will open again, although it will be for appointments only.

Non essential shops

More retailers will be allowed to open, including non-essential shops and garden centres. Click and collect services will also be permitted

Students return to teaching

Students may return to come University and College campuses for in person teaching.

Outdoor contact sports for ages 12-17

As of tomorrow, outdoor contact sports for teenagers aged 12 to 17 will be permitted to go ahead.

Further expected easing on April, 26

Mainland travel restrictions lift

The Scottish Government hopes to lift all restrictions on journeys in mainland Scotland on April, 26.

All retail premises to reopen

This step means that libraries, museums and galleries, tourist accommodation would be able to open from April, 26.

Hospitality sector to reopen

The hospitality sector should be able to reopen outdoors for the service of alcohol until 10pm, and potentially open indoors for non-alcohol service.

Socialising

Up to four people from two households could be able to socialise indoors in a public place such as a café or restaurant.

While six people from up to three households could be able to meet outdoors.

The limit on wedding and funeral attendance could be raised to 50 people

Gyms

Plans state that gyms and swimming pools will hopefully be open for individual exercise from April, 26.

Non-essential work

Non-essential child care could be permitted, while non-essential work in peoples’ homes and driving lessons could resume from April, 26.

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