Nicola Sturgeon urges Scots to act ‘responsibly’ as shops reopen across Scotland

Nicola Sturgeon has urged the public to act responsibly as shops across Scotland reopen for the first time today, after three months of lockdown.

Retail outlets have been gearing up to open their doors since Thursday, June 18, when the First Minister told her press briefing: “From 29 June, retail premises of all sizes can re-open, but only if they have outdoor entrances and exits".

Posting on Twitter today (Monday, June 29), Ms Sturgeon wrote: “If you plan on visiting shops today, please do so responsibly.

“Maintain physical distancing, follow hygiene advice, wear a face covering and respect staff who may be asking you to shop differently.

“We’ve made so much progress against the virus - let’s not squander it. #StaySafe.”

The reopening of shops comes as Scotland had a third consecutive day without a confirmed death from Covid-19 on Sunday.

On her first public visit since the start of lockdown on Friday morning, the First Minister made a trip to a New Look outlet in Edinburgh while wearing a tartan face mask.

There, she inspected the changes that had been made to the store to ensure the safety of customers and staff.

Non-essential shops with outdoor entrances will reopen across Scotland today.

Face coverings are now mandatory on all public transport in Scotland, with rules also extending to taxis, private hire cabs, buses, trains, the Glasgow subway, Edinburgh trams, planes and enclosed areas on ferries.

However, the Scottish government is still consulting on whether face coverings should also be made mandatory in shops as well.

A decision is expected to be made before 29 June.

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