Takeaways in Scotland to open as early as next week

Scotland’s takeaways and drive-throughs are being encouraged to reopen first as part of the country’s four-phase roadmap out of lockdown.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced takeaways and drive-throughs could open as early as 28th May providing social distancing measures are in place. All non-essential shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants will remain closed.

Phase two will allow for the reopening of outdoor spaces at pubs and restaurants with physical distancing and increased hygiene measures in place, while those with indoor space only will be given the green light to reopen under phase three. The final phase will see all eating out outlets open in line with public health advice.

The phased approach to ending lockdown avoids specifying exact dates for when each phase will happen and makes it clear that transitioning from stage to stage will only take place if the R rate is consistently below one.

The steps are described as gradual and incremental with Nicola Sturgeon warning they “may, at times, need to hit the brakes on easing”.

She adds: “The biggest single factor in all of this will be how well we continue to observe advice designed to control the virus. Continued hand washing, cough hygiene and physical distancing will be essential - so too will compliance with our test, trace, isolate and support system.

“This will mean that our workplaces and our public transport will look different from normal – we have all got used to things being different and it is going to be that way for a while.”