Work from home guidance to be relaxed in Scotland from next week, announces First Minister Nicola Sturgeon

Advice urging people to work from home where possible is to be eased in favour of a hybrid working system in Scotland from Monday.

Employers will be asked to phase workers back into spending some time in the office.

Speaking in the Scottish Parliament, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the move was possible due to a significant fall in Covid-19 cases.

But she warned against a mass return to offices overnight as it risked pushing infection levels up again.

"We would not expect to see a wholesale return to the office next week – indeed, given that the level of infection, though falling, remains high, a mass return at this stage is likely to set progress back," she said.

"But we know there are many benefits to both employees and employers, and to the economy as a whole, in at least a partial return to the office at this stage."

The First Minister also announced the requirement for 2m physical distancing in some indoor settings will revert to 1m from Friday.

Also from Friday, face coverings will no longer be required for any adult taking part in organised activities when they are directly interacting with children under the age of five.

But there will be no change to rules on face coverings in secondary schools.

Ms Sturgeon said this would stay under review and receive careful consideration.

From Friday February 11, fully vaccinated travellers will no longer need to take a test after they arrive in Scotland although they will still be required to complete a passenger locator form.

Ms Sturgeon said Covid-19 case numbers in Scotland have fallen by just over a quarter in the past week, from an average of 10,000 infections per day to just over 7000.

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