The Scottish Government announced this week that further restrictions will be easing.
This comes after the Christmas restrictions were lifted on Monday January 24, allowing theatres to reopen and hospitality to function without patricians and allow bar service.
While many of Scotland's residents can enjoy a 'more normal' way of life after two years of coronavirus restrictions, the First Minister issued a word of caution.
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She said: "The level of infection, though declining overall, is still high, with around 7,000 cases a day being confirmed just now.
"Indeed, the decline may be starting to plateau and, as I reported earlier, cases in under 15s are actually rising.
"Also, hundreds of people with Covid are still being admitted to hospital each week, which means the NHS is still under immense pressure.
"We can say without fear of contradiction that this is the toughest winter it has ever faced."
She continued: "So all this demands a degree of continued caution, even as we enjoy a return to pre Omicron normality.
"So, for the rest of the month, even though there are no longer any recommended upper limits, try to keep indoor social gatherings as small as circumstances allow."
Offices to reopen
The First Minister confirmed that people who have been told to work from home can now return to the offices and a hybrid system will be advised.
She said: "Instead of recommending home working whenever practical, the new guidance will pave the way for a phased return to the office."
Starting January 31, employers are asked to consider implementing hybrid working, with employees spending some time in the office and some time at home.
Sturgeon continued: "We would not expect to see a wholesale return to the office next week – indeed, given that the level of infection, though falling, remains high, a mass return at this stage is likely to set progress back."
Social distance measures will be shorter for people who are exempt
Along with other changes to rules, Sturgeon added that requirement for two metre physical distance for indoor settings where people have an exemption to wear a face mask will be reduced to just one metre.
These exemptions apply to people such as those leading religious services or carrying out some receptionist duties.
Children's activities
Currently, adults attending organised events for children need to wear a face mask.
From Friday, Sturgeon confirmed that the requirement for any adult taking part in organised activities when they are directly interacting with children under the age of 5 to wear a face covering will be dropped.
New travel rules
From February 11, those who are fully vaccinated travellers (two doses) will no longer be required to take a test after they arrive in Scotland – but will still need to complete a passenger locator form.
Travellers to Scotland who are not fully jabbed will still need to take a pre-departure test no more than two days before they board their plane, as well as a PCR test on or before day two of their arrival in the country.
Additionally, all four nations agreed to develop a new surveillance system to identify any future variants of concern.
Distance aware scheme launched
In a bit to "help people who need extra support to get out and about with more confidence", the Scottish Government's new Distance Aware scheme has been launched.
The scheme is aimed at people who are worried about leaving the house, such as those at the highest clinical risk from Covid and had to shield.
Sturgeon said: "Badges and lanyards with the Distance Aware logo will be available to anyone who wants one, and will indicate to other people that the person wearing the logo would like a bit of extra space, and a bit more care taken around them."
These badges will be available for free at most community and mobile libraries across the country this week, as well as most Asda supermarkets.
Some charities will also be stocking the lanyards online.
