NICOLA Sturgeon has provided an update on the country moving into Level 0 restrictions.

As cases across Scotland appear to level off after weeks of rising, the First Minister gave an update in a press conference on Tuesday, July 13 on plans to move the country into level 0 on July 19.

The First Minister provided an update on case and vaccine numbers, before speaking about the area and the rest of the country moving into the next stage of lockdown restrictions.

And it is confirmed that from July 19, the entire country will move into Level 0 together.

Level 0 is Scotland's lowest level of Covid restrictions, which range from 0 to 4. 

Essentially, it is the closest the country can get to 'normal' with significant restrictions still in place. 

Under level 0 restrictions, the number of people allowed to socialise indoors will increase: 

Up to 8 people from four households can gather in a home and stay overnight.

Up to 10 people from four households can meet in an indoor public space such as a pub or restaurant.

Up to 15 people from 15 households can meet outside in either a public space or private garden.

Children under the age of 12 are not included in the number of people allowed to gather outdoors.

Up to 200 people can attend weddings and funerals in level 0, but only if the venue allows for 2m physical distancing. 

Face coverings must still be worn indoors, aside from the couple getting married or the person accompanying the couple down the aisle. 

Meanwhile at funerals, the person conducting the funeral service or reading a eulogy can remove their mask.

Under level 0 restrictions, pubs and restaurants can open until midnight, and the closing time curfews in place in level 1 and 2 areas will be lifted. 

However, table service remains mandatory at level 0, as does wearing a mask when not seated. 

Outdoor seated events can take place with up to 2,000 people, while outdoor standing events are limited to 1,000 people. 

Indoor seated events can take place with up to 400 people.

Nightclubs and adult entertainment are among the small number of businesses not permitted to open at level 0. 

It was also confirmed that there were 2,529 new cases of Covid-19 reported yesterday, and four new reported deaths of people who have tested positive. 

41 people were in intensive care yesterday with recently confirmed Covid-19, and 506 were in hospital with the disease.