Today in a statement to Parliament the First Minister confirmed there would be no changes to the current COVID-19 Protection levels. She cautioned that it was unlikely any part of the country would move down a level at next week’s review which will consider possible changes from 28 June onwards. It had been previously hoped the country would move to Level 0 but the First Minister warned that it was more likely that current restrictions would be kept in place for a further three weeks to give more time for people to be fully vaccinated. The First Minister also said any changes that can be made safely within the levels will be considered.
In addition, the Scottish Government intends to publish a paper setting out what life will look like beyond level 0 when all or virtually all restrictions can be lifted, and also publish the outcome of the review on physical distancing, next week.
Commenting on the First Minister’s recent COVID-19 update, the Chief Executive of the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers Fiona Campbell said:
“The First Minister’s statement is incredibly disappointing to many involved in the Scottish tourism sector.
“Self-caterers across Scotland, especially those operating larger properties currently impacted by household meeting restrictions, face the real possibility of irreversible damage being done to their businesses as lockdown easing will be delayed well into July.
“While there have been many warm words and expressions of sympathy, this just has not been matched with the action our sector so desperately needs.
“Larger self-catering properties, alongside the rest of our industry, require real clarity, better communication, and significant financial support if they are to remain financially viable and the Scottish Government must act swiftly to provide these.”
Guidance on COVID-19 Protection Levels has been published. The guidance sets out what you can and cannot do at each level.