Covid in Scotland: These are the sectors not reopening as lockdown is eased on April 26

Today shop doors have been flung open, pubs are allowed to serve drinks outside, and restaurants are back in business.

As of April 26, the nation has moved into Level 3 of the Scottish Government’s roadmap out of lockdown.

It means up to six people from different households can socialise indoors or in public, hospitality can reopen, nonessential stores, gyms, and swimming pools can open their doors, and unrestricted travel is now allowed. Early morning queues formed at fashion retailers in Glasgow and Edinburgh as shoppers waited for doors opening.

But there are some sectors which are still not allowed to reopen under the eased coronavirus restrictions today.

All the lockdown rules changing in Scotland today

What is staying closed for now?

Cinemas, theatres, stadiums and music venues are among the places which are still not allowed to reopen.

Scotland reopening: Here are the sectors which aren't reopening on April 26

Amusement arcades, bingo halls, and nightclubs will also have to stay closed for now.

No live entertainment events must be held other than drive-in events.

And, while gyms have reopened, no group exercise classes or sports (contact or non-contact) are permitted indoors at this time.

That’s according to the rules the Scottish Government has laid out for level 3 of its coronavirus restrictions.

When will these rules change?

The next big date for your diary is May 17.

That’s when it is hoped that Scotland will be able to move to Level 2 restrictions.

If this happens, it will mean cinemas, theatres, concert halls, music venues, amusement arcades, and bingo halls will be allowed to reopen.

At level 2, outdoor seated and open space events are advised to operate with a maximum capacity of 500 people.

Outdoor grouped standing events are advised to operate with a maximum capacity of 250 people.

And small seated indoor events are advised to operate with a maximum of 100 people.

However, a number of sectors will still not be allowed to reopen in Level 2 restrictions.

They include: soft play, funfairs, indoor bowling, snooker/pool halls, nightclubs and adult entertainment.

Scotland lockdown easing in pictures: These were the scenes as pubs, bars, and restaurants reopened

Further lockdown easing in the summer

The next key date outlined by the Scottish Government is June 1.

It is thought that from then, Scotland will move into Level 1 coronavirus restrictions.

This would mean indoor non-contact sports will restart, while casinos, funfairs and soft play areas will reopen.

And from the end of June there could be a phased return to offices for workers.

Around this time is when it is hoped Scotland will move to Level 0 restrictions.

The Scottish Government hasn’t given a whole picture of what this would mean, but it is understood to be “nearly normal”.

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this article. We're more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by Coronavirus impacts our advertisers.

If you haven't already, please consider supporting our trusted, fact-checked journalism by taking out a digital subscription.