The First Minister has confirmed that we will move beyond Level Zero of restrictions from Monday, August 9.

It means most of Scotland's remaining COVID-19 restrictions are to end.

She confirmed the news at a briefing to parliament this afternoon at 2pm.

Social distancing will no longer be required in most settings, meaning pubs and restaurants can welcome more customers and larger crowds will be allowed at sporting events and concerts.

But the First Minister was keen to urge caution on proximity, saying: "Keeping a safe distance from people in other households and avoiding crowded places will minimise risk."

And finally, no venues will be legally required to close from August 9.

Hospitality and indoor venues will still be required to collect the contact details of customers though.

But, close contacts of those who test positive for COVID will no longer have to self-isolate - as long as they have received two shots of a COVID vaccine.

There was confirmation that mask wearing is going to continue in some public spaces, specifically they "must be worn in all the same indoor settings as is the case now", which includes secondary schools, where staff will need to keep 1m apart for the first six weeks of term and twice-weekly testing will be required.

Sturgeon said mask wearing is likely to be legally mandated for some time yet.
The First Minister was keen to remind people that COVID is not over, saying: "Declaring freedom from or victory over this virus is in my view premature."