ALMOST all remaining coronavirus rules in Scotland are set to be scrapped from Monday, with changes to social distancing and self-isolation rules, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon confirmed in a statement to MSPs this afternoon.

Ms Sturgeon announced this afternoon that Scotland would move beyond Level 0 restrictions next week.

The law requiring people in Scotland to remain physically distanced from one another, for example when visiting shops or hospitality venues, will be scrapped next week.

No venues will be legally required to close, meaning that nightclubs, live music venues and theatres can finally reopen their doors for the first time in 18 months.

However, people will still need to register their details as part of Test and Protect when visiting entertainment and hospitality venues.

Despite the change to the rules, Ms Sturgeon encouraged people to remain distanced from one another while indoors.

People will still be required to wear face masks, as are the rules currently, including in schools for at least six weeks at the start of term.

Those needing to self-isolate will also see changes to the rules.

Those who have tested positive will need to continue self-isolating as usual. But adults who identify as a close contact of a positive case and have been double vaccinated will need to get a PCR test and isolate until the results return. Children will also need to get a PCR test and end isolation if the result comes back negative.

There may be localised restrictions and travel restrictions when needed, with those wanting to host events of more than 5,000 people outdoors and 2,000 indoors needing to apply for permission. People are also asked to remain working from home where possible.

Ms Sturgeon also announced that an app was being created to make access to Covid certificates easier, for example for international travel.