Nicola Sturgeon lockdown statement: First Minister promises 'phased but significant reopening' of Scotland's economy will start in late April

The phased reopening of Scotland’s economy will begin in late April, the First Minister has told MSPs.

Nicola Sturgeon announced a return to the levels system for geographical lockdowns, first adopted last autumn, from the last week in April.

“At that stage,” she said, “we hope that all parts of the country currently in level four - will be able to move out of level 4 and back initially to level three.

“It is therefore from the last week of April that we would expect to see phased but significant re-opening of the economy, including non essential retail, hospitality and services like gyms and hairdressers.”

The First Minister added that the reopening of Scotland’s economy would be contingent on the successful vaccination of all the priority groups recommended by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).

She said that restrictions on care home visits would be eased in early March.

The next phase of schools reopening is planned for March 15, when with the rest of the primary school years four to seven returning to classes, along with more senior phase secondary pupils back in the classroom for at least part of their studies.

Outdoor mixing rules may also be eased by the middle of March, allowing four people from a maximum of two households to meet outside.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced Scotland's routemap out of lockdown to MSPs this afternoon.

The Scottish Government then hopes to lift the general stay at home restriction from April 5.

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