{"id":121519,"date":"2021-04-16T11:23:47","date_gmt":"2021-04-16T11:23:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/precoinnews.com\/?p=121519"},"modified":"2021-04-16T11:23:47","modified_gmt":"2021-04-16T11:23:47","slug":"scots-can-travel-nationwide-and-mix-in-bigger-groups-outdoors-from-today-as-sturgeon-eases-covid-rules-10-days-early","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/precoinnews.com\/world-news\/scots-can-travel-nationwide-and-mix-in-bigger-groups-outdoors-from-today-as-sturgeon-eases-covid-rules-10-days-early\/","title":{"rendered":"Scots can travel nationwide and mix in bigger groups outdoors from today as Sturgeon eases Covid rules 10 days early"},"content":{"rendered":"

SCOTS can now meet up outside in bigger groups and travel across the entire country after Nicola Sturgeon relaxed lockdown rules today.<\/p>\n

The SNP chief has sped up the nation's rolling back of restrictions after the number of new Covid cases plummeted.<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udd35<\/strong> Read our\u00a0coronavirus live blog\u00a0for the latest updates<\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Under the new rules groups of six adults from up to six households can now meet outside for the first time.<\/p>\n

Previously only four adults from two different homes were able to mix.<\/p>\n

Ms Sturgeon has also relaxed stay local restrictions so people can travel the length and breadth of the country to meet friends and family.<\/p>\n

But they must only see people outdoors, and overnight stays are still banned.<\/p>\n

Scots are also being asked to stick to their local authority areas for other activities like non-essential shopping.<\/p>\n

And travel to some islands still remains off the cards.<\/p>\n

Ms Sturgeon announced on Tuesday that the roadmap out of lockdown would be sped up because Covid cases are on the decline.<\/p>\n

She said the "significant progress" Scotland has made in battling the virus means it's now in a position to "accelerate" its exit from restrictions towards a "much greater return to normality".<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

In optimistic remarks, she declared: "Covid is in retreat in Scotland, there\u2019s no doubt about that.<\/p>\n

"The improved data does not allow us simply to throw caution to the wind, certainly not if we want to be sensible about this, but it does give us a bit of limited headroom.<\/p>\n

But she added: "Please do remember that at this stage probably until the middle of May meetings must still be outdoors not inside our own homes."<\/p>\n

Her comments contrasted with a much more gloomy Boris Johnson, who is facing increased pressure to unlock earlier, and today issued a stark hint that his roadmap could change in the future.<\/p>\n

And pubs north of the border will open up indoors three weeks ahead of those in England as she speeds up her plans to ease the country's lockdown.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Bars and restaurants will be able to welcome customers back inside from April 26 "on a restricted basis" – while English boozers have to wait until at least May 17.<\/p>\n

Ms Sturgeon said: "It\u2019s worth noting the restricted indoor opening of hospitality on the 26th will be actually three weeks ahead of any indoor opening of hospitality in England."<\/p>\n

Hospitality will need to close their doors at 8pm indoors and 10pm outdoors, with alcohol only allowed to be served outside.<\/p>\n

From May 17, pubs are set to open indoors until 10:30pm and contact sports, cinemas, and some small scale events can take place.<\/p>\n

But the First Minister warned restrictions on international travel may have to stay in place for the foreseeable future, to stop new variants of the virus entering the country.<\/p>\n

She said: "It may well be the case we do have to endure restrictions on international travel a bit longer as the price we pay for much greater normality here in Scotland.<\/p>\n

"We will not keep these restrictions in place for longer than necessary but it is important for now to protect our progress here.<\/p>\n

"The best way to keep on making progress out of lockdown is to continue to keep cases low."<\/p>\n