First Minister to announce latest review of lockdown easing

An update on the nation’s lockdown progress is expected from Nicola Sturgeon on Tuesday.

Hairdressers and non-essential click-and-collect services resumed on Monday as restrictions on businesses were eased.

Over the Easter Weekend, daily updates on new coronavirus case numbers, deaths and vaccinations continued but hospital and ICU numbers along with other statistics were paused.

These will be updated on Tuesday, when the latest detailed data will be published for the previous four days.

On Friday, April 2, Scotland’s ‘stay at home’ requirement was replaced with a ‘stay local’ message – with local authority-based travel restrictions expected for at least a three-week period.

The next major change in restrictions is due on April 26, when beer gardens and non-essential shops can reopen. Travel throughout the mainland and individual exercise at gyms and swimming pools is expected to be allowed.

On Monday, Boris Johnson announced England was on track to have all restrictions lifted by June 21 as he confirmed reopening of outdoor hospitality next week.

Scotland’s daily test positivity rate and number of new Covid-19 cases has continued to fall.

A further 248 cases of coronavirus and no new deaths were reported on Monday.

But sunny weather last week saw large crowds gather at beauty spots across the country.

Three people were charged after mass brawls broke out in the Meadows in Edinburgh following “thousands” gathering. A police officer was hospitalised.

Officers responded to reports of crowds of over 200 youths and issued fines elsewhere.

Around 50 rule-breaking campers moved on in Dumfries and Galloway.

Stirling Council said staff were abused while working at the clearways at Ben A’an and Balmaha.

The Scottish Government is working on the tools needed for digital vaccine passports, the health secretary said on Monday.

Jeane Freeman said she favours digital certificates over paper versions as she believes the latter would place an unnecessary burden on the health service.

Sturgeon has not been holding daily coronavirus briefings ahead of the Holyrood election, but is expected to address the nation as First Minister from St Andrew’s House in Edinburgh for Tuesday’s lockdown review.

The Scottish Conservatives urged Sturgeon to speed up the loosening of restrictions.

“We are facing a looming jobs crisis that will be far worse if the government holds back on a return to normality,” said leader Douglas Ross. “This is the time to back businesses and work with them to start rebuilding Scotland now.

“People are waiting to get on with their lives. They should not wait any longer than public health data shows is necessary.

“Let’s safely speed up our return to normality and get our country on a faster road to recovery.”