Covid in Scotland: What happens when Scotland moves to Level 0 - and after?

The people of Scotland finally have an idea of what life will look like beyond the levels of restrictions imposed as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Here, is a look at the weeks and months ahead and what can be expected to change – and when.

Just now

Currently, the country is divided with some areas in Levels 0 (most of the islands), 1 and 2 with varying degree of limits to indoor and outdoor gatherings, hospitality opening hours and many other aspects of day-to-day life.

All restrictions are set to lift on August 9

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced this would not change for the next three weeks.

Monday June 28

What will change in the next three weeks is some of the rules on weddings and funerals.

Wedding service suppliers and others employed by the couple getting married will no longer count towards the cap on numbers at a wedding (200 in Level 0).

Those accompanying the couple down the aisle will no longer need to wear face coverings and, while live entertainment at receptions will be possible, people will still need to be seated at tables.

People from more than one household can help carry a coffin at a funeral from this date, and take a cord when lowering it.

Tuesday July 13

The Scottish Government will confirm the outcome of its review of the current levels ahead of the changes planned.

Sunday July 18

By this point, all adults will have had the first dose of a coronavirus vaccine which Ms Sturgeon described as “significantly ahead of schedule”.

Monday July 19

It is hoped the whole of Scotland will move to Level 0 if all the vaccination and harm reduction measures are met.

Physical distancing will be removed outdoors – as will the limits on any informal outdoor social gatherings in private gardens.

Indoor public places will reduce to a one-metre rule if the data allows with gathering limits also increasing to the current Level 0 rule of eight people from three households.

Rules and processes in place for organised outdoor events will, however, remain due to the nature of having larger crowds.

These measures come three weeks after all over-50s have been vaccinated.

Monday July 26

It is expected a second dose will have been given to all 40 to 49-year-olds in Scotland.

August 9

But just a few weeks later, the biggest change yet could come into force.

All major legal Covid-19 restrictions are set to be lifted if the same necessary conditions on vaccination and harm reduction continue.

Ms Sturgeon said: “And even if we lift the legal requirement, we may still advise keeping a careful distance from people outside our close contact groups, especially if they are not fully vaccinated.

“Also, at least for a period, we are likely to require continued wearing of face coverings in certain settings – for example, shops and public transport.

“Test & Protect will also remain a vital part of our approach.”

The First Minister also warned the levels system will still be available to help manage outbreaks “as and when they arise”.

Friday August 20

All 30 to 39-year-olds will have had a second dose.

Sunday September 12

Scotland is expect to have completed second doses for all adults.

Depending on the advice from the JCVI, booster jags could become available in autumn along with the potential vaccination of 12 to 17-year-olds.