The Scottish Government will review lockdown restrictions this week as the number of Covid cases and deaths continue to decline.

Schools and businesses have been shut in mainland Scotland since January 4 when it was placed under a second lockdown period.

Speaking on January 4 the first minister said that while the approval of vaccines was “hugely positive and offers us the way out of this pandemic”, the faster spreading variant was “a massive blow”.

The Scottish Government will review lockdown restrictions on February 16 (Getty Images)

Ms Sturgeon added: “Indeed, it is no exaggeration to say that I am more concerned about the situation we face now than I have been at any time since March last year.”

When will lockdown be reviewed?

The Scottish Government are compelled by law to review lockdown restrictions every two weeks.

The last review of restrictions took place on February 2.

The next review is scheduled to take place on February 16.

The First Minister is expected to deliver an update on restrictions to schools at 2.20pm on February 16. You can stay up to date with all of the latest announcements via our Live Blog throughout the day, or you can watch via Scottish Parliament TV here. You are also able to stream the First Minister’s address via the BBC.

What could happen at the next review?

Restrictions were extended until the end of February at the last lockdown review, but the first minister offered a glimmer of hope to Scots.

Pending review of restrictions on February 16, schools would be able to make a phased return, starting with early year pupils, from February 22.

The first minister has also hinted that other measures could be eased in early March.

Boris Johnson is set to unveil England’s road map out of lockdown on February 22 and it could be that the Scottish first minister unveils a road map catered to Scotland following the review on February 16.

What are Scotland’s lockdown rules?

Since January 5 Scots have been restricted to leaving the house for essential purposes, like caring, shopping and exercise.

Schools have also been closed since then with pupils learning remotely via online services.

Non-essential services were also forced to close under the lockdown restrictions.

Scots on the mainland have not been able to leave home except for an essential purpose. Furthermore no one is permitted to travel into or out of Scotland, unless it is for an essential purpose.

When is the next lockdown review? Nicola Sturgeon to provide update on Scotland Covid restrictions