Scotland ends nearly all COVID restrictions

Scotland has lifted nearly all COVID-19 restrictions as of Monday except for the wearing of face masks.

The move, which comes three weeks after England, was announced by Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon in the Scottish Parliament on Aug. 3.

As the country moves beyond Level 0, involving the easing of almost all remaining restrictions including requirements for social distancing and limits on gatherings, all venues across Scotland are able to reopen.

The wearing of face masks, however, will remain mandatory in most indoor public places, including on public transport.

That may also be in place until 2022, according to the Scottish government’s guidance.

Speaking to BBC Radio Scotland, Health Secretary Humza Yousaf warned that cases may increase sharply as people interact more.

Stressing that the pandemic is not over yet, Yousaf said he is confident that Scotland would not have to go into a full lockdown, adding, however, that "I couldn't give you a cast-iron guarantee of that in the future."

Data released Sunday from the Scottish government showed that 1,240 more cases were confirmed in the past 24 hours, taking the total number of infections since the start of the pandemic to 354,538. The country reported zero new fatalities, with the death toll remaining at 7,992.

Over 4 million Scots, or 90% of over 18-year-olds, had received their first dose of a vaccine as of Aug. 7 and over 3.32 million Scots, or 74.6%, their second dose.