WEE COUNTY residents shielding from coronavirus will no longer need to do so from August 1, Nicola Sturgeon has announced.

Those affected will receive a letter from the chief medical officer outlining updated guidance as well as the pause in shielding, which is possible due to the continuing low levels of Covid-19 infection in Scotland.

Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: "This will be a welcome and long-awaited announcement for around 180,000 people who have been shielding since the onset of the coronavirus crisis – the implications of shielding have been enormous for every person affected, as well as their families and loved ones.

"We have reached the point where these restrictions can be eased, so that the advice for those shielding will be the same as the rest of the general public."

Mr Swinney added: "I want to reassure all those affected – there will be a range of guidance and information for all those moving on from shielding status, and those most at-risk will continue to receive support."

For more information about the first minister's announcement, visit gov.sot/news/shielding-to-be-paused/