Nicola Sturgeon to confirm Scotland’s move to Level Three next week as shops, restaurants and beer gardens reopen

NICOLA Sturgeon is set to confirm later today that beer gardens and non-essential shops can open in Scotland from next Monday as the country moves into Level Three.

The First Minister will address the nation in a special Covid briefing this afternoon as the country gets set to ease restrictions.

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Gyms and swimming pools are also expected to be able to open their doors again, along with leisure centres for exercise.

It comes after Ms Sturgeon introduced some changes last week ahead of schedule - scrapping the current travel ban and allowing six people from six households to meet outside.

Pubs will be able to serve customers alcohol outdoors until 10pm, while restaurants are permitted to sell food inside until 8pm.

Up to 50 guests will be able to attend weddings and funerals, with alcohol permitted at receptions afterwards.

Churches, public buildings and visitor attractions across the country will all be fully opened amid the easing of curbs.

But indoor household visits will remain banned until May 17 to help stop the spread of the virus.

Cinemas and theatres will also still be shut while Scotland is under Level Three restrictions.

Close-contact services such as mobile barbers are to be permitted, with in-home work able to resume as well.

Labour leader Anas Sarwar said he expected there to be some “excitement” around the SNP leader’s announcement on pubs reopening.

Ms Sturgeon hit back at claims from the Labour boss that today’s planned briefing had been “unscheduled” after the rival party moved their manifesto launch.

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A total of 2,747,694 people have received their first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine.

An additional 757,115 people have been given their second jab.

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