These are all the changes Nicola Sturgeon announced in her latest Scotland lockdown update - and when phase 4 could begin

Gyms in Scotland can reopen from August 31 (Shutterstock)Gyms in Scotland can reopen from August 31 (Shutterstock)
Gyms in Scotland can reopen from August 31 (Shutterstock)

Nicola Sturgeon has announced that the country will not move into phase four of lockdown as the country continues to deal with clusters across the country.

The First Minister also revealed that the country’s R number (rate of infection) may currently be above 1.

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Despite remaining in phase three, the First Minister confirmed that some services could now reopen and loosen lockdown restrictions, including gyms.

Here are all the changes announced by the First Minister on August 20.

August 24

From August 24 the following activities will be allowed to resume.

Organised outdoor contact sports for all ages will be permitted once guidance has been submitted by relevant sports bodies.

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Certain outdoor live events (involving open space or organised seating) with physical distancing and restricted numbers – subject to guidance.

Driving lessons will also be able to resume at this stage, as will child contact centres and face-to-face services, including the citizens advice bureau.

Bingo halls, amusement arcades, casinos, snooker/pool halls, indoor bowling and funfairs will all be able to reopen from this date with enhanced hygiene measures in place.

August 31

The First Minister also confirmed bringing forward the opening of venues which had previously been earmarked for September.

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From August 31, gyms, swimming pools and indoor sports courts will be allowed to reopen.

Indoor activities for children and young people will also be able to resume.

September 14 (indicative dates)

An indicative date for the following activities was also provided by Ms Sturgeon.

Indoor soft play with enhanced hygiene measures could reopen on September 14 as could certain indoor live events such as standing concerts subject to guidance.

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Other indoor entertainment venues such as theatres and music venues could also be set to reopen on this date, though this does not include nightclubs.

Indoor sports courts – can be used by adults and young people for contact sport.

Live sport in stadia could also be partially reopened to fans at this stage with physical distancing and restricted numbers in place.

Certain outdoor live events with physical distancing and restricted numbers could also be permitted at this stage.

What things are still under review?

The use of non-essential offices and call centres is still under review with working from home still encouraged.

The launch of indoor live events is also still under review.

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