Covid-19: North-east to move to level one restrictions from June 5

The north-east is moving to level one coronavirus restrictions from next week, the first minister has confirmed.

Nicola Sturgeon made the announcement to the Scottish Parliament a short time ago.

The rule change comes into force on Saturday June 5.

Scottish Government guidelines state that the following is allowed in level one:

• you can meet socially in groups:
  • of up to 6 people from 3 households in your home or theirs – and can stay overnight
  • of up to 8 people from 3 households in an indoor public place like a café, pub or restaurant
  • of up to 12 people from 12 households outdoors in your garden or a public place
• under 12s do not count towards the total number of people or households meeting outside but do count towards the number of households indoors
• you do not need to physically distance from family and friends in a private home
• you can travel anywhere in Scotland in Levels 0, 1 or 2 but must not enter a Level 3 or 4 area unless for a permitted reason
• you can travel anywhere in England, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man or the Channel Islands - before you travel you must check the travel rules in those countries
• you can provide informal childcare, for example to look after a grandchild
• up to 100 people can attend weddings and funerals
• tradespeople can carry out any work and repairs in your home such as painting, decorating or repairing
• you should work from home where possible

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: "I appreciate that today’s decisions will feel like a mixed bag. That reflects the fact that we are in a transition phase.

"No part of the country is going backwards today. Before the vaccines, that would have been impossible on case numbers like this.

"But the vaccines are changing the game. And that means we can still be optimistic about our chances of much more normality over the summer and beyond.

"As always, all of us have a part to play in beating this virus back. So please, stick with it, and each other."