Indoor visits, hugs and pints – Shetland enters level one

SHETLAND is now under level one of Scotland’s coronavirus restrictions – meaning household visits are allowed and alcohol can be served inside pubs again for the first time since Christmas.

Most of the Scottish islands moved into level one today (Monday), while most of the mainland dropped to level two.

A key component of level one is the ability to meet socially in groups of up to six people from three households in homes, and stay overnight.

Under current rules you also do not have to socially distance when meeting someone in a home – meaning hugs are back on the agenda.

In an indoor public place like a cafe up to eight people from three households can meet, while up to 12 from 12 households can meet outside.

Under 12s do not count to the total number of people meeting, but they do count towards the total number of households.

Pubs, meanwhile, are reopening today for the first time since December, when Shetland was placed in level three.

They can serve alcohol until 11pm indoors, while outdoors follows local licensing rules. Nightclubs, however, are still off limits.

Local pubs have expressed delight at getting the chance to reopen, although they have reminded punters that rules still apply on physical distancing and face coverings.

Up to 100 people can now attend weddings and funerals if social distancing can be maintained.

Transport continues to be open, except for areas of Scotland in level three or four. Currently Glasgow and Moray are in level three, due to increased numbers of Covid cases.

Cinemas can open under level one, and Mareel is planning to relaunch on 21 May.

Events can be held, but with restrictions on numbers and physical distancing.

Small seated indoor events are advised to operate with a maximum of 200 people, while outdoor standing events have a 500 limit, and outdoor seated 1,000.

Under level one all organised outdoor sports are allowed, as is organised exercise indoors, but indoor contact sports for adults is still banned.

More details on level one can be found here.