Dumfries and Galloway, along with the rest of Scotland, has now been moved down to level three of restrictions.
This means the reopening of hospitality, non-essential retail, close contact services, indoor attractions and public buildings.
And it also means travel across the border into England will be allowed again.
Further changes from today include:
* non-essential work inside people’s homes – such as painting, decorating or repairing – will be permitted subject to mitigations
* non-essential informal childcare will resume
* driving lessons and tests can take place, while gyms and swimming pools can reopen for individual exercise
* the attendance limit for funerals and weddings – and related events such as receptions – will increase to 50
* takeaways to resume normal service, with physical distancing and face masks in premises
* rapid coronavirus tests will be made available to anyone in Scotland. They can be picked up from local walk/drive-through test sites for people to test themselves twice-weekly
Commenting, Nicola Sturgeon said: “The changes that come into force have been hard earned by all of us.
“But even as we enjoy those moments, we still need to be careful. We must remember the virus is more infectious now than it was when bars and cafés were last open, so we must still stick to the rules. However, we are hopeful of seeing sustained progress in the weeks and months ahead.”
And it is expected that, data permitting, Scotland will then move into Level two on May 17.
- Pictured above: Tim Leighfield, of Moffat’s Star Hotel, gets his premises ready to reopen
