Nicola Sturgeon covid briefing: First Minister to give unscheduled coronavirus statement as lockdown easing ramps up - What time is she speaking? How can you watch?

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will be holding an unscheduled coronavirus briefing today with Scotland’s chief medical officer Dr Gregor Smith.

What is she expected to say?

Ms Sturgeon will provide an update on changes to planned easing of restrictions.

Ahead of the briefing the First Minister posted a message on Twitter saying: “I’ll give a Covid update at 12 noon.

"I’ll report on progress and confirm we’re firmly on track for substantial re-opening of economy on 26 April.

"We’ve also been considering whether any earlier changes to support mental health and wellbeing are possible and I’ll update on that too.”

Her announcement comes the day after pubs and non-essential retail was permitted to reopen in England on 12 April.

A significant amount of covid restrictions in Scotland, including those imposed on hospitality and the retail sector, are currently set to ease on 26 April.

Nicola Sturgeon to give unscheduled coronavirus briefing on Tuesday at midday.

What time does it start?

The announcement will start at midday on Tuesday, 13 April, and will be followed by questions from the media.

How can I watch it?

The briefing will be covered on The Scotsman’s Live Blog here, or you can watch it live-streamed on the Scottish Government’s Twitter page which you can access here.

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