Remote working encouraged in all phases of Scotland's coronavirus lockdown easing plan

The Scottish government has released details of its approach to easing the coronavirus lockdown and remote working is encouraged at all stages.

First minister Nicola Sturgeon said the lockdown restrictions in Scotland are likely to start to ease on 28 May in the first of four phases. People will be allowed to meet outside with people from one other household, garden centres will reopen and activities including fishing, tennis and golf will be permitted.

The situation will be reviewed every three weeks, with the next phase introduced if enough progress has been made on controlling the spread of COVID-19.

Remote working is the "default position" for phases one, two and three, while for phase four, when all workplaces will have reopened, remote and flexible working "remains encouraged".

The roadmap says non-essential indoor non-office-based workplaces, including factories, warehouses, lab and research facilities, can reopen with social distancing during phase two, as can small retail units, outdoor markets and pubs and restaurants with outdoor spaces.

The businesses that can open during phase three are non-essential indoor offices, larger shops, indoor pubs and restaurants and personal retail services including hairdressers.

Guidance on how all businesses in Scotland can reopen safely is still be released. Advice for businesses in England was released earlier this month.

During all phases, Scottish people are also encouraged to shop locally.

"In the short term we will need to do more locally - support local businesses, build local supply chains, use local skills and build local demand," the document says. "This will give us a strong platform to turn ourselves back toward the rest of the world."

In other plans, schools in Scotland will start to reopen at the start of the academic year on 11 August.

The latest coronavirus support information

We are keeping you updated on the latest information on how to access the government's coronavirus business support here. You can also find advice and ask a question on Enterprise Nation's coronavirus business advice hub. Follow Enterprise Nation on Twitter too for updates.