Coronavirus in Edinburgh: The Capital prepares to reopen as it takes the next cautious steps in the route out of lockdown

Monday is the first day that Edinburgh and the Lothians will enter level two of lockdown restrictions, where people are finally allowed to hug family and friends again.

Hospitality will allow people to drink alcohol inside and cinemas, theatres and concert halls will be throwing open their doors once more.

Eight people from eight different households can meet outside and up to six people from three households are going to be allowed to meet indoors in private homes.

Coronavirus in Edinburgh: The Capital prepares to reopen as it takes the next cautious steps in the route out of lockdown

Overnight visits are also allowed and restrictions on international travel are also loosening.

And locals will be glad to hear more indoor activities and socialising are opening as the Met Office predicts heavy rain throughout Monday.

Despite mild temperatures of 10C, there is more than 80% chance of rain from around 8am onwards.

When announcing the latest step out of lockdown, the First Minister said: “I actually feel a wee bit emotional saying this, from Monday, as long as you stay within permitted limits, you can hug your loved ones again.”

On Sunday, the Scottish Government reported that there were 45 new Covid-19 cases in Edinburgh and Lothians, as the number in Scotland rose by 292.

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