Covid in Scotland: As lockdown restrictions ease, France's third lockdown is a reminder of the dangers – Angus Robertson

Hairdressers are literally being rushed off their feet across the country.
France has gone into a third national lockdown amid a surge in serious Covid cases (Picture: Rafael Yaghobzadeh/Getty Images)France has gone into a third national lockdown amid a surge in serious Covid cases (Picture: Rafael Yaghobzadeh/Getty Images)
France has gone into a third national lockdown amid a surge in serious Covid cases (Picture: Rafael Yaghobzadeh/Getty Images)

As Scotland gradually emerges from the pandemic lockdown, barber shops and beauty salons have been reporting a roaring trade as customers snap up appointments to get their hair cut. One hairdresser in Glasgow reported more than 1,000 bookings in 24 hours.

Yesterday saw hairdressers, homeware shops and garden centres re-open with the lifting of coronavirus restrictions.

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A further range of businesses were able to operate again including key cutting, mobility equipment, baby equipment and electrical repairs. Meanwhile, non-essential click-and-collect services were also able to resume.

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Twelve to 17-year-olds are now able to play contact sports outdoors and there is a phased return for universities and colleges. In the weeks ahead, we will see further restrictions lifted as we proceed towards our ‘new normal’.

All school pupils are expected to be back full time after the Easter holidays on April 19 and if things continue well with reduction in coronavirus cases, we should see a return to the levels system and permission for travel within mainland Scotland from April 26. That’s the same time as people who have been shielding can return to work or education, non-essential retail, pubs and restaurants can reopen and gyms, swimming pools and other leisure activities can resume.

The lifting of these restrictions has been hard won, with a huge social and economic cost. We only have to look at countries like France who have re-entered a third national lockdown to be reminded that the virus has not gone away. Let’s be safe.

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