Which Covid legal rules are ending in Scotland today? New restrictions explained

Two major Covid restrictions have now lifted in Scotland as the country continues to emerge from the worst of the pandemic.

Nicola Sturgeon announced a series of changes to the Scottish Government’s roadmap during an address to MSPs at Holyrood last Tuesday.

The changes coming into force today will have an impact on our experiences in visiting the likes of pubs, restaurants and places of worship.

But the First Minister put the brakes on plans to remove the legal requirement for Scots to wear face coverings on public transport and other public indoor settings.

Nicola Sturgeon announced changes to the Scottish Government's Covid roadmap last week (PA)

This decision was made following the rise of the so-called stealth Omicron variant, which now accounts for 80 per cent of cases in Scotland.

Early studies claim that the BA.2 variant may be up to 80 per cent more transmissible than the previous Omicron strain.

It is hoped that the legal requirement on face coverings will move to guidance in two weeks time.

Speaking at the Scottish Parliament last week, Sturgeon said: “Today marks a further decisive shift away from controlling Covid through legal restrictions, and towards relying instead on advice and guidance.

“But please remember, especially since case numbers are so high, that this guidance and advice remains important.

“Given the current case numbers, and the desirability of getting those back under control quickly, the wearing of face masks will stay in place for at least another two weeks.”

The changes taking place today

Scots will no longer be required to give their details for contact tracing purposes at the likes of bars and restaurants (AFP via Getty Images)

Businesses and service providers will no longer be legally required to capture the personal details of customers for contact tracing purposes.

This means that punters will no longer be required to submit their details to NHS Test and Protect when entering the likes of pubs and restaurants.

The legal requirement for businesses, places of worship and service provides to have regard to and take reasonable measures set out in Covid guidance has also ended today.

Provisional date for other restrictions to be lifted

The rules on face covering is expected to move from legal requirement to guidance from Monday, April 4.

People without Covid symptoms will no longer be asked to regular lateral flow tests from Monday, April 18.

All routine population wide tested is expected to end in Scotland from Sunday, April 30. This includes people with symptoms with the virus - who will no longer be advised to seek a test.

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