Scots gyms and Swimming pools to reopen by the end of August

Nicola Sturgeon has announced that the reopening of gyms and swimming pools in Scotland has been brought forward by a fortnight to August 31.

Nicola Sturgeon has set out the latest changes to COVID restrictions

The First Minister also confirmed that outdoor contact sports, such as five-a-sides cane start again from this Monday, as she made her thtree weekly update on Covid restrictions in Parliament.

But the SNP leader said that Scotland will remain in Phase 3 of the country’s lockdown from exit, as new cases reached a three month high of 77. She warned that local outbreaks in Aberdeen, Coupar Angus and in schools mean that changes must be limited.

But she indicated that football stadiums could reopen to a “limited” number of spectators on September 14 .

The announcement on gyms, which had expected to reopen on September 14, comes almost a month after they reopened south of the border and amid growing pressure for Scotland to budge on the issue.

"I said that we would consider if that date could safely be brought forward - especially given the wider physical and mental health benefits of access to these

facilities,” MS Sturgeon said.

“Having done so, I am now able confirm that those facilities can reopen - subject to guidance being in place - from 31 August.”

The changes already earmarked for this Monday, August 24 will go ahead, including some live outdoor events, with restrictions on numbers and distancing.

“Organized outdoor contact sports will also resume for people of all ages,” Ms Sturgeon added.

"However for outdoor coaching sessions, there will be a cap of 30 on the total number of people who can be coached at any one time.”

Driving lessons will also resume from Monday. Indoor face to face advice services, such as Citizens Advice, can also resume again.

And bingo halls will also be allowed to reopen.

And further changes are still earmarked for mid-September, subject the virus remaining under control which could see fans return to football matches.

"We hope that from 14 September, sports stadia will be able to reopen, though only for limited numbers of spectators and with strict physical distancing in place,” the First Minister said.

“Some professional sports events may be arranged for spectators before then - with Scottish Government agreement - to test the safety of any new arrangements.”

Theatres and live music venues will also be able to reopen from September 14 with strict physical distancing in place. Preparation and

rehearsals can get underway from August 24.

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