Covid Scotland: Everything Nicola Sturgeon said in her lockdown 'Freedom Day' announcement
| Published date | 03 August 2021 |
| Author | Indigo Stafford |
| Publication title | EdinburghLive (Scotland) |
The First Minister also made changes to Scotland's self-isolation rules and confirmed that from August 9, adults who are identified as a close contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID will no longer automatically be required to self-isolate for ten days.
However, some COVID restrictions will still remain, including the mandatory wearing of face masks which is to remain in place "for some time" in certain indoor settings.
Homeworking will also continue to be advised for now, while test and protect will still 'ping' those in close contact with a confirmed case.
Here is everything she said:
The First Minister confirmed that from August 9, no venues in Scotland will be legally required to close.
She said: "The move beyond level 0 will entail the lifting of most of the remaining legally imposed restrictions - most notably, on physical distancing and limits to the size of social gatherings.
"It also means that from 9 August, no venues will be legally required to close.
"This change is significant and hard-earned. The sacrifices everyone has made over the past year and a half can never be overstated.
"However, while this move will restore a substantial degree of normality, it is important to be clear that it does not signal the end of the pandemic or a return to life exactly as we knew it before COVID struck.
"Declaring freedom from, or victory over, this virus is premature.
"The harm the virus can do, including through the impact of long COVID, should not be underestimated. And its ability to mutate may yet pose us real challenges.
"So even as we make this move today, care and caution will still be required, and that is why I want to focus now on the protections and guidance that will remain in place after 9 August."
Some restrictions will remain in place
The First Minister added that some of Scotland's legal restrictions will remain in place even after the 'so-called' Freedom Day.
She added: "Firstly, it will continue to be the law, subject to existing exemptions, that face coverings must be worn in all the same indoor settings as is the case now.
"We will keep this under review, but my expectation is that face coverings are likely to be mandated in law for some time to come.
"Secondly, Test & Protect will continue to contact-trace positive...
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