Covid level 0: Nicola Sturgeon confirms some rules will change on July 19

Coronavirus restrictions are set to be relaxed further in Scotland from Monday - but some changes have been delayed amid stubbornly high case numbers.

Announcing the changes at a virtual meeting of parliament today, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon warned that some measures such as face coverings could remain in place “for some time to come”.

From Monday, the limits on outdoor and indoor gatherings will be increased and 200 people will be able to attend weddings and funerals.

Double-vaccinated travellers who can present a negative PCR test when arriving at Scottish airports from amber-list countries will also no longer need to quarantine.

But the requirement to socially distance outside will remain, moves to reopen workplaces have been delayed and hospitality businesses will have to close at midnight, where it was hoped they could trade at normal licensing hours.

Ms Sturgeon said: “We must stick to a cautious approach. We are easing restrictions next week, but we are not abandoning them.

“Measures like the continued wearing of face coverings are important, not just to give added protection to the population as a whole, but also to give protection and assurance to those amongst us who are particularly vulnerable and previously had to shield.”

She confirmed the Scottish Government still hopes to lift most legal restrictions on August 9.

By then, ministers aim to scrap the requirement of fully-vaccinated close contacts of positive cases to self-isolate.