‘Calmer phase’ anticipated as COVID hospitality restrictions relaxed

Sights are set on a “calmer phase” with COVID-19, as the Scottish Government relaxes restrictions on indoor hospitality venues.

The removal of measures introduced on Boxing Day takes effect today, Monday. Restrictions curbing numbers and mandating social distancing impacting pubs and restaurants have now been scrapped, with guidance returning to pre-Christmas levels.

This news was announced by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon last Tuesday, along with the introduction of plans to roll out the COVID-29 vaccine for the youngest cohort yet. Children aged five to 11 years who have a medical vulnerability, or who live with an immunocompromised person, were invited to receive their jab from last week, with the government anticipating a thumbs-up to vaccinate everyone in this age group in the near future.

As the nation approaches these new frontiers when it comes to our battle with COVID-19, the First Minister has offered hope of a life without restrictions.

Plans are under way to draw up a new framework for decision-making as Scotland navigates into a new phase of “living with the virus”.