Phase 4 Scotland: when the Scottish government will move country to next stage of route map out of lockdown - and why we’re still in Phase 3

Scotland will remain in phase 3 until at least October 1
Scotland is entering stage three of its lockdown exit strategy - but Nicola Strugeon has warned that the wait could be longer for the move to phase four (Getty Images)Scotland is entering stage three of its lockdown exit strategy - but Nicola Strugeon has warned that the wait could be longer for the move to phase four (Getty Images)
Scotland is entering stage three of its lockdown exit strategy - but Nicola Strugeon has warned that the wait could be longer for the move to phase four (Getty Images)

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced that Scotland would remain in phase three of its lockdown exit strategy on September 10 for at least another three weeks.

By law the Scottish Government is required to review lockdown restrictions every three weeks, but with cases rising the country was required to remain in phase 3.

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Despite the rapidity with which the country initially moved through its route map out of lockdown, the Scottish Government opted to keep the handbrake on and reject a move into phase four.

With local restrictions in place in Glasgow and the surrounding counties a move into phase four appears a long way off.

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When will stage four get underway?

By law, the Scottish Government is required to review lockdown and physical distancing measures every three weeks.

The next review is on October 1.

Ms Sturgeon, however, has looked to manage the expectations of the public, suggesting that he country could be in phase three beyond the upcoming review date.

What will happen in stage four?

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Provisional measures for stage four have been outlined by the government on its official website.

These include the following:

- Further relaxation on restrictions on gatherings with continued importance of hygiene and public health emphasised.

- Public transport operating full service. Physical distancing may remain in place.

- Schools and childcare provision, operating with any necessary precautions.

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- College and university campuses open – including key student services with any necessary precautions.

- Remote and flexible working remains encouraged. All workplaces open with improved hygiene and in line with public health advice.

- All shops open with improved public health advice, but local shopping still encouraged.

- Further relaxation of restrictions on live events in line with public health advice.

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- Public services operating fully, in line with public health advice, with modifications and changes to service design, including increasing use of digital services where appropriate.

- Mass gatherings resume in line with public health advice.

- All ceremonies can take place, with improved hygiene and other precautions.

-Health and social care services will continue to scale up with greater use of technology to provide improved services to citizens.

Greater detail on stage four will be outlined by the government over the coming weeks.