The First Minister has announced that many restrictions will be removed on daily life from the 9th August.
Nightclubs will reopen, social distancing will be scrapped, and restrictions on gatherings will be removed.
However, face masks will remain a legal requirement in indoor public venues such as shops and pubs.
Adults identified as close contacts of someone who has tested positive for Covid-19 will also no longer be automatically required to self-isolate for 10 days from 9 August. Anyone who is double vaccinated with at least two weeks passed since their second dose and who has no symptoms will be able to end self-isolation if they return a negative PCR test.
Local politicians have welcomed the move. They have also called for Live Borders to reopen their venues that remain closed and for face masks to be scrapped in schools.
John Lamont MP said:
“This is really great news and will finally see a lot of restrictions on our daily lives scrapped.
“This is all down to the efficient vaccine programme in the UK which has allowed us to reach this level after a long year and half in lockdown.
“However, I am concerned that face masks will remain a requirement for pupils in schools. Letting our young people get back to normal education would be hugely beneficial for their learning after the summer holidays.
“For too long local communities have been shut out of their community centres, town halls and other local facilities. Live Borders should now speed up their programme of reopening plans to reflect these new rules.”
Rachael Hamilton MSP said:
“It is good news that restrictions are finally easing, after months and months of people making large sacrifices.
“The priority must be the reinstatement of face-to-face services across the Borders.
“With this announcement, I am concerned over the lack of clarity for young people.
“The guidance on face coverings in schools needs to be reviewed in earnest.
“Whilst it is a relief for all that the majority of restrictions are easing, the SNP Government have failed to provide enough clarity for the restrictions that remain in place”.
