LOCKDOWN: New provisional dates for gyms, stadiums, live events in Scotland

The Scottish Government has provided a range of new indicative dates for the easing of lockdown in certain sectors across Scotland.

Today marks the three-week review date for Phase 3, which saw a range of restrictions eased, including the reopening of hospitality firms.

But First Minister Nicola Sturgeon says she is taking a much more cautious approach at this time, with further restrictions not likely to ease before the next review in three weeks' time.

Instead she has given provisional dates for when other firms and services may be able to resume, though these may change at any time, depending on coronavirus infection rates.

The following information has been provided by the Scottish Government.

AUGUST 1

• Shielding advice paused.

AUGUST 3

• Relax certain restrictions on some support groups and services and for sports coaches – once relevant guidance is implemented.
• Routine eye care services can be provided within community optometry practices and in patients’ own homes.

AUGUST 11

• Children to be able to return to school full time. Expect a phased return over the week with all children back by August 18.

AUGUST 18

• Urgent dental care involving aerosols may begin to be provided in practices for NHS patients.

AUGUST 24

• Live events (outdoor) – with physical distancing, enhanced hygiene, and restricted numbers – following guidance.
• Organised contact sports (outdoors) – all ages – following the guidance of relevant sports bodies.
• Bingo halls (with physical distancing and following guidance).
• Funfairs – static and travelling – following guidance.
• Amusement arcades and casinos – following guidance (incl. enhanced hygiene).
• Snooker/pool halls, indoor bowling – following guidance (incl. enhanced hygiene).
• Driving lessons can resume – following guidance.

SEPTEMBER 14

• Gyms (indoor) – following guidance (incl. physical distancing and enhanced hygiene). Will keep under review to consider whether an earlier re-opening date is feasible.
• Swimming pools (indoor) – following guidance. Will keep under review to consider whether an earlier re-opening date is feasible.
• Soft play (indoor) – following guidance (incl. enhanced hygiene).
• Live events (indoor) – following guidance (e.g. with physical distancing and restricted numbers).
• Other indoor entertainment venues (e.g. theatres, live music/concert venues) following guidance such as physical distancing requirements (does not include nightclubs).
• Indoor sports courts – with physical distancing – following guidance (incl. skating, dance studios). Will review whether indoor classes for children can resume earlier or an earlier re-opening date is feasible.
• Stadia (limited re-opening) – following guidance (e.g. physical distancing, restricted numbers) – with option for testing on earlier dates where agreed.

DATES TBC

• Non-essential offices and call centres can re-open following implementation of relevant guidance (including on physical distancing). Working from home and working flexibly remain the default.