What does Level 0 mean in Scotland? When is the rest of Scotland going into Level 0?

Today, lockdown restrictions affecting millions of Scots are being eased.

All areas of Scotland have moved into Level 0 today (July 19), following an update from Nicola Sturgeon last week.

But the First Minister has warned restrictions are “being eased, not abandoned” and says ‘freedom day’ – as it has been called down south – applies to England only.

In Scotland, key rules being kept include mask wearing and social distancing – reduced to one metre.

Are face masks mandatory? Different rules for Scotland and England explained

What is Level 0 in Scotland?

Level 0 is the closest to ‘normal’ of all four levels in the Scottish Government’s roadmap out of lockdown.

Level 0 Scotland: Covid restrictions for Level 0 explained after Nicola Sturgeon's announcement today (Picture: Lisa Ferguson)

According to the latest guidance, almost everything is allowed to open – except nightclubs and adult entertainment.

Face coverings are still required in shops and on public transport, and indoor social distancing is reduced to one metre in public places.

In terms of meeting others, numbers will rise to up to eight people from four houses allowed to stay in your home – including overnight.

Groups of up to 10 people from four households will be allowed indoors in public places like cafes, pubs and restaurants.

In a deviation from original Level 0 plans, hospitality venues will have to close at midnight from July 19 and indoor social distancing will be maintained but reduced from two metres to one.

And up to 15 people from 15 households can meet outdoors in Level 0.

You will also be able to travel anywhere in Scotland, and anywhere in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland.

Wedding and funeral limits will rise from 100 people allowed in Level 1 to 200 people in Level 0.

Another key difference between Level 1 and Level 0 in Scotland is that at level 0 there is to be a “a limited and phased return to offices”.

However, people will still be advised to work from home wherever possible.

Outdoor seated and open space events will be allowed to open with a maximum capacity of 2,000 people.

While outdoor standing events – like concerts – can have a maximum of 1,000 people. For seated indoor events – like going to the theatre – the capacity is 400 people.

Which areas of Scotland were already in Level 0?

Shetland, Orkney, and the Western Isles moved from Level 1 to Level 0 coronavirus restrictions on June 1. That is, excluding Skye which went into Level 1.

When is the rest of Scotland going into Level 0?

The easing of restrictions – set for June 28 – was delayed due to the rapid spread of the Delta variant – formerly known as the Indian variant.

Nicola Sturgeon said at a briefing: “It is likely that we will opt to maintain restrictions for a further three weeks from 28 June and use that time to vaccinate - with both doses - as many more people as possible.”

The rest of Scotland moved into Level 0 on July 19.

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