Sturgeon promises more details on route map out of lockdown after criticism
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Nicola Sturgeon has confirmed she will make further announcements on the timeline of Scotland's route map out of the lockdown tomorrow.
This follows criticism of the First Minister last week when restrictions that were expected to be lifted failed to emerge, leaving many businesses in the lurch.
Pub and restaurant owners and landlords were incensed after being given the impression that outdoor seating areas would be likely to reopen.
However, in the last 24 hours there were four more deaths nationwide after a confirmed test – bringing the death toll of those confirmed with the virus to 2476. Another 12 more people tested positive for Covid-19 – the total now stands at 18,182.
NHS Highland's overall tally of positive tests rose by one to 374.
Ms Sturgeon said: “I will provide a general update tomorrow on Scotland's route map out of lockdown and as part of that I'll set out some indicative dates for when some measures and some phases, all being well, will come into effect.
“We could move through phases perhaps more quickly or bring certain measures forward in some instances. That's what we hoped now to be able to do, but I want to stress that we are still taking a cautious approach.
“Last week, I was able to announce our move into the next phase in our exit from lockdown and it's why tomorrow I'll be able to provide some further details on the timing of some of the specific steps in that journey."
The First Minister added: “Later today the health secretary will update Scottish Parliament on the remobilisation of our NHS and specifically on how staff and patients will be protected as we resume services that have been paused.
“The Deputy First Minister will deliver a significant statement this afternoon on the reopening of schools and support to help young people catch up on missed learning."
As today marks exactly three months since the start of the lockdown, Ms Sturgeon reflected on what she called one of the most challenging periods the country has ever faced.
“Over the weekend we saw how some grandparents have now been reunited with grandchildren and people were finally able to meet others outside,” she said.
“It shows just how hard things have been and, of course, perhaps most importantly of all for us to remember is that more than 4000 families across the country have lost a loved one to this virus [confirmed and suspected deaths, as reported by National Records of Scotland] and around half lost someone who lived in a care home.
“That's something which I know I never lose sight of and I know that is something that will live with me forever, but I also know that is as nothing compared to the pain the bereaved families go through.”
Shetland, Orkney and Western Isles each recorded no fresh cases of the virus in the past 24 hours.
