Coronavirus in Scotland: ‘Life could be normal by mid-June’ says Prof Linda Bauld

Scotland could see a significant lifting of lockdown rules as early as mid-June, according to a leading public health expert.

Prof Linda Bauld said that she is "very optimistic" most restrictions will be lifted (Photo: Lesley Martin).

Prof Linda Bauld of the University of Edinburgh told BBC Scotland’s The Seven that she is "very optimistic" most restrictions will be lifted, including many of the social distancing requirements.

The news comes after coronavirus restrictions were relaxed today, ensuring meeting people outdoors with four adults from two different households is now allowed in any outdoor space, including in private gardens.

Speaking to the BBC’s The Seven, Prof Bauld said: "If you look at the trajectory of progress we are making with more than a third of Scotland's population having their first dose of the vaccine and many others getting their second dose every day.

"Public health measures are getting the incidence and prevalence of the disease down.

"I would anticipate by the end of June, mid-June most things will be open.

"Much of the distancing and certainly things being closed, I'd be very optimistic that by the summer that would no longer be the case.

"It may even be for many things earlier than the summer."

During the interview, Prof Bauld warned that international travel and mass gatherings were unlikely this summer but expressed that the coroanvirus figures are optimistic for future restriction easing.

She added: "I am optimistic that much of what we have lost over the last few months we will regain by mid-June, late-June.

"I really am positive about that."

The first minister Nicola Sturgeon has also said the country is making progress in suppressing the virus.

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