What time is Nicola Sturgeon’s update today? When the First Minister will update Scotland on two metre rule and how to watch

Nicola Sturgeon is expected to announce whether Scotland will follow England in relaxing its two metre social distancing rule at St Andrew's House in Edinburgh this afternoon (Thursday, July 2).

The First Minister could also make face coverings compulsory in shops.

Ms Sturgeon is due to receive updated scientific advice ahead of her daily news briefing – and this will form the basis of her decisions.

What time is Nicola Sturgeon’s announcement?

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First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.

The Scottish leader will make her statement at her daily press briefing. The briefings are typically held at 12.30pm.

How can you tune in?

Watch live on the BBC Scotland channel, and follow the First Minister’s Live YouTube Stream as well as the Scottish Government's official Twitter page – @scotgov. You can also follow The Scotsman’s live blog.

What is the First Minister expected to say?

Ms Sturgeon is expected to give an update on the two metre rule today.

In a previous statement on June 18, the First Minister said: “Let me be clear that the advice and evidence we have at this time supports physical distancing at two metres. And we know that while there are no absolutes - and we should not see this in isolation - the shorter the distance, the greater the risk of transmission.

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“So I will not change this guidance without rigorous consideration and appropriate assurance.

“However, I have asked our advisers to consider whether there are particular settings and circumstances in which, with additional mitigations, it might be possible in future to recommend a distance of 1 or 1.5 metres. I hope to also have this advice within two weeks and will report on it then.

“But let me reiterate that, at this stage, the advice is unchanged; you should continue to maintain two metres distance from people in households other than your own.”

There has also been speculation that the advice on wearing face coverings in public could be toughened today.

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At present, face coverings are only compulsory on public transport - with the Scottish government "strongly advising" that people also wear them in enclosed spaces.

The First Minster also said at Wednesday's news briefing that today she will announce changes that will "help make this a slightly more normal and less frustrating summer holiday for many young people".

When is the next lockdown review?

The next lockdown review is due next week - on 9 July.

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