Scotland eases lockdown rules

Scottish people are allowed to visit other homes indoors as well as stay overnight as lockdown restrictions ease.

"Limited" indoor gatherings can also take place, with a maximum of eight people from three different households allowed to meet - again while staying apart physically.

Nicola Sturgeon, First Minister of Scotland, has said that people can meet up in extended groups outdoors with up to two other households from Friday.

From the 10th of July, there will be exemptions to the social distancing rules, but the use of face masks in shops will still be mandatory.

From Friday onwards, couples who do not live together will not have to distance themselves from each other, and plans are being made on the appropriate dates that bars and restaurants can reopen.

From Monday the 13th of July, shopping centres will reopen, and from the 15th of July hairdressers, barbers, cinemas, museums and bars will reopen with protective health and hygiene measures in place.

On the same day, places of worship can begin services again, but people should social distance and only be in small numbers. Moreover, singing and chanting should be limited.

From the 22nd of July, universities can have a phased return to campuses, and schools can reopen in full from the 11th of August. But no dates have been set for the reopening of places like indoor gyms, live outdoor events and theatres.