Covid-19 restrictions: What about Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland?

With Step 4 of the roadmap in England being delayed by four weeks due to the rise in cases of the Delta variant, we take a look at the next steps of restrictions in Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland and when we can expect updates.

Scotland

Nicola Sturgeon is set to make an announcement today (15.06.21) regarding Scotland’s next steps out of Covid restrictions.

The Scottish Government had previously announced that they hoped all areas would move to the lowest level of restrictions – level zero – from June 28^th. However, rising cases of the Delta variant across the UK may give them cause to follow England’s lead in extending the restrictions.

Shetland, Orkney, the Western Isles and some smaller islands have been in level zero since June 5^th, whilst the rest of the nation is in either level one or two.

In level zero, up to eight people from four households can meet indoors, while up to 10 people from four households can meet in an indoor public place like a cafe or restaurant. Up to 200 people can also attend weddings and funerals.

Here is an overview of the current Covid-19 restrictions in Scotland.

Wales

An announcement is expected on Friday (18.06.21) for Wales, although the country’s Economy Minister Vaughan Gething said it (English Government) had “not been right to set out such a commitment when the pandemic caused unpleasant surprises.”

He added that the Welsh government had not “taken a flyer” on naming dates for lockdown easing and as a result had not had “to do a number of U-turns”.

The Welsh government is assessing whether to allow some people to meet indoors outside of their extended bubbles, although it is expected they will stick to their “data not dates” mantra when they brief the nation on Friday.

The Delta variant is now the most common strain amongst the Welsh population.

For further information on the most up-to-date restrictions in Wales, click here.

Northern Ireland

June 21^st was also set to be the key date for restrictions easing in Northern Ireland, although doubts are now being raised as to whether the government will push back the date.

Currently, should the easing of restrictions take place from June 21^st, 10 people from no more than two households would be able to meet indoors, whilst the number of people allowed to meet outdoors in a private garden will rise to 15.

A full review and further details are expected on Thursday (17.06.21).

Current rules and information for Northern Ireland can be found here.