These changes include the full reopening of retail services and partial reopening of the hospitality sector.

The First Minister confirmed that all areas in mainland Scotland will move to Level 3 meaning that bars, restaurants, retail shops and beauty salons can reopen from Monday.

Here, we outline the key points from her briefing and the rules in Level 3.

1. The lockdown exit plan

Speaking of Scotland's lockdown exit strategy, Nicola Sturgeon said: "Taking all of the recent data into account, I am pleased to be able to confirm today that from Monday 26 April, those parts of the country that are currently in level 4 will move to level 3.

"That of course includes all of mainland Scotland.

"We then expect that all of Scotland will move to level 2 on Monday 17 May.

"That means, for example, that from 17 May, people will be able to meet in small numbers in each other’s homes, hospitality will reopen more fully, and outdoor contact sport for adults will resume.

"Then, if circumstances permit, I can confirm that we will move to level 1 on Monday 7 June, before moving I hope to level 0 in late June – and then to something much more like normality over the course of the summer."

2. What is currently expected from April 26?

Up to four people from two households can socialise indoors in a public place, such as a cafe or restaurant.

Hospitality venues like cafes, pubs and restaurants can open until 8pm indoors – but without alcohol – and 10pm outdoors where alcohol is allowed to be consumed.

Gyms can open for individual exercise.

All shops, stores and close contact services can open.

Tourist accommodation can open with restrictions in place.

Driving lessons and tests can resume.

Funerals and weddings including post-funeral events and receptions can take place with up to 50 people, but no alcohol may be served.

Indoor attractions and public buildings such as galleries, museums and libraries can open.

Travel will also be allowed on this date to other parts of Britain, with reviews planned on journeys to Northern Ireland and the Republic.

3. Shielding

People on the shielding can return to work from Monday

From next Monday, the Chief Medical Officer’s advice will be that people on the shielding list can return to the workplace - if you cannot work from home.

Like everyone else, if you can work from home for now, you should.

The First Minister said: "The last few months have been difficult for everyone – but have been especially difficult for people who are shielding.

"I am very grateful to you for everything you have done to keep yourselves and others safe. I very much hope that you enjoy being able to get out and about a little bit more, and that the understandable anxiety you have been living with is beginning to reduce."

4. Travel

Nicola Sturgeon confirmed that all remaining travel restrictions will be lifted on 26 April for travel anywhere in Scotland, and for travel between Scotland, England and Wales.

The Scottish Government will remove restrictions on travel to and from Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man - though people should check the rules on entry to each of those territories before they travel.

Due to low Covid rates in the Scottish Islands you are asked to take two lateral flow tests before you depart.

The First Minister said: "If you're planning to travel to an island, we will encourage you to take 2 lateral flow tests before you depart.

"The second test should be on the day that you travel, and the first should be 3 days earlier.

"That means that if you test positive, you have a chance to take a PCR test to confirm the result before you make a final decision on cancelling your visit."

5. Lateral Flow

Lateral flow tests will be available to anyone from 26 April - can order online and find info on the Scottish Government website or collect from covid testing centres in afternoon or evening.

They can be ordered online for delivery to your home – you can find information on how to do that on the Scottish Government’s website.

Alternatively, you can collect the tests from Covid testing centres in the afternoon or early evening.

6. The latest cases

Scotland has recorded two deaths from coronavirus and 178 positive tests in the past 24 hours, Nicola Sturgeon said.

It brings the death toll under this measure – of people who first tested positive for the virus within the previous 28 days – to 7,644.

Giving a Covid-19 update, the First Minister said 224,092 people have now tested positive in Scotland, up from 223,914 the previous day.

The daily test positivity rate is 1.4%, down from 2.5%.

There are 106 people in hospital confirmed to have the virus, up two in 24 hours, and 13 patients are in intensive care, down one.

Ms Sturgeon said 2,750,052 people have received their first dose of a coronavirus vaccine, up 2,358 from yesterday, and 797,267 have received their second dose.

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Here's what you can and cannot do in Level 3

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Can I get a pint?

Yes, for outdoors, such as beer gardens, is alcohol permitted with six people from six households.

Am I allowed to go to the shops?

Yes, all non-essential shops will be open for business so you will be able to head to your favourite retailers.

Can I travel around Scotland?

Yes, from April 16 you will be able to travel anywhere across Scotland.

However, as lockdown levels change, people in Level 3 must not enter Levels 0-2 or Level 4 area unless for a permitted reason.

Can I go on holiday?

Staycations will be permitted with travel restrictions lifted and tourist accommodation will reopen.

However, socialising rules must still apply.

International travel will remain not permitted.

Will bars, restaurants and cafes be open?

For indoors pubs, bars, restaurants and cafes are also set to reopen on April 26 – however, this is only for meals and non-alcoholic drinks.

They will be given a strict 8pm curfew and only six people from two households are allowed.

Takeaway service will also continue to be open.

Am I able to go to the gym?

Yes, gyms and indoor sports facilities including swimming pools and leisure centres will be open for individual exercise.

Group activity will be permitted for under 18s.

Can I play contact sports?

No, contacts sports are not permitted until Level 2.

Will cinemas be open?

No, cinemas, theatres, concert halls, music venues, comedy clubs, amusement arcades, bingo halls and other entertainment centres cannot reopen until Level 2.

Can I see my friends and family?

Yes, groups of six people from up to two households may socialise indoors in a public place. This does not include in-house socialising.

However, one substantial change is that, from April 16, a maximum of six people from up to six households can meet outdoors.

It is worth noting that under 12s do not count towards restricted numbers or households outdoors.

Can I go into stadiums and attend events?

These will be closed with the exception of drive-in events.

Can I take public transport?

You should continue to active travel (walk, run, cycle, wheel) where possible and avoid car sharing with people outside of your extended household.

Face coverings compulsory on public transport and, due to limited capacity, if you are using public transport then plan ahead.

What about childcare?

Nurseries, childminders and regulated school-age childcare providers are open.

Informal childcare such as family and friends are permitted.

Can my child take part in after school activities?

Yes, but it will be subject to guidance.

Can zoos and tourist attractions reopen?

Yes, all visitors centres can reopen for business.

Should I still work from home?

You are encouraged to work from home where possible.

Can I visit people in the hospital?

Yes, but the recommended family support from at least one visitor per patient.

Am I able to visit my loved ones in care homes?

Yes, however, the recommended minimum of two visits per week, one person at a time. It should be essential visits only at all times.

Will college and universities be open?

Yes, but it will be blended learning.

Can I get married?

Yes, and 50 people are allowed to attend the ceremony and the wedding reception. Alcohol is also permitted.

Am I allowed to attend a funeral?

A maximum of 50 people are allowed to attend a funeral service and alcohol is permitted.

Can I visit my place of worship?

Yes, places of worship will be open.

Will libraries be open?

Yes, all public buildings are allowed to reopen on April 26.

Are driving lessons allowed?

Yes, driving lessons will be restarted.

Can I get work done indoors?

Work, such as home decorating, repairs etc are allowed indoors.

Am I allowed to move home?

Yes, you are allowed to move home.