COVID-19: Scotland to ease restrictions on outdoor travel and gatherings early | UK News

Travel restrictions linked to the coronavirus will be relaxed in Scotland from Friday and more people may end up outside, said Nicola Sturgeon.

The prime minister said a reduction in the prevalence of the virus meant an acceleration in the planned easing of the lockdown was possible to support mental health and well-being.

She told a coronavirus briefing there have been three deaths and 221 positive tests in the past 24 hours.

It followed a nearly seven-month low in cases on Monday, with 199 cases.

Ms Sturgeon said people will be able to leave their local authority area for the purposes of socializing, recreation or exercise, starting Friday.

Travel between the mainland and certain islands will not be permitted.

Rules on gatherings will also be relaxed, with six adults from a maximum of six households able to meet outside.

Scotland’s current lockdown easing plan will open cafes, restaurants and beer gardens on April 26, as well as shops, gyms, libraries and museums.

Hospitality businesses must close their doors at 8 p.m. indoors and at 10 p.m. outdoors, alcohol can only be served outside.

Travel will also be permitted on that date to other parts of Great Britain, with revisions planned for travel to Northern Ireland and the Republic.

From May 17, pubs will open indoors until 10:30 p.m. and contact sports, cinemas and small-scale events can take place.

Up to four people from two households can also be found inside.

Scotland has five levels of coronavirus restrictions, with the whole country – with the exception of some islands – currently at the highest level, level 4.

Ms Sturgeon said she was confident the country will lower levels as planned.

She said: “We are now extremely confident that these areas of the country currently at Level 4 will be upgraded to Level 3 on April 26, now in less than two weeks.

“This means, among other things, that on that day the stores will reopen completely. Pubs, cafes and …