Nicola Sturgeon is to give a statement on the progress of the fight against Covid-19 in the Scottish Parliament today. 

The First Minister is expected to announce a slight easing of the restrictions the whole country has been living under, hinting that the journey out of lockdown has begun.

Ms Sturgeon has hailed the "good progress" being made with the vaccination programme in full swing and infection rates dropping. 

So things could change in the days ahead.

Why are restrictions easing?  

On Friday, Ms Sturgeon said that “greater normality is firmly on the horizon”. This is because the 'R' number - the number of people that one infected person will pass on a virus to, on average - is below the crucial 'one' figure.

Experts currently predict it is around 0.7 - 0.9 for the whole of the UK. Meanwhile, the number of Covid cases relative to the size of the population - the rate per 100,000 - has also fallen.

Under this measure, most of Scotland would currently cross the threshold for level two restrictions from 26 April.

Crucially, the number of positive tests has been falling below the 5% level the World Health Organisation (WHO) considers the marker for a pandemic being under control.  Last week, it averaged 3.2% of the 131,347 tests reported.  

The Herald: Multi-generation family together outdoors

Family meet-ups could be back on the cards

So what could change today? 

It is expected that restrictions will be eased - but only on the number of people who can meet up outdoors. 

This is because the chances of passing on the virus are greatly reduced - but not eliminated - in the fresh air. 

At present, only two people from two households are allowed to socialise outdoors in Scotland.

READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon set to ease restrictions 

This was due to increase to four people from two households from 15 March, but this is expected to be brought forward as a result of progress in suppressing new cases.

This will allow more people to meet freinds and family and could allow children to take part in some sports.  

The Herald:

What else is in the pipeline?

With some primary school pupis back at school and the rest expected to join them next week, opening up classrooms will continue. 

By late April, the government hopes to move back to a local "levels" system of regional restrictions across Scotland, albeit with tougher rules than before.

When will the statement be made?

The First Minister will address the Scottish Parliament around 2.15pm. Coverage will be creened live on the Scottish Parliament's online TV channel and live on BBC Scotland.

What are the politicians saying? 

Ms Sturgeon said she was “hopeful” the Scottish Government may be able to make some “relatively minor, but I think important, changes in our ability to meet outdoors and also how young people are able to interact with their friends outdoors”.

Deputy First Minister John Swinney confirmed on Monday any changes to the current lockdown regime would be set out by Ms Sturgeon.

The Herald:

John Swinney

Mr Swinney added: “The First Minister has been clear that we will try to relax lockdown as quickly as we possibly can do, but we have to do it in a sustainable manner.

READ MORE: Covid Scotland — Cases rise by more than 500

“That means taking the appropriate steps in the appropriate sequence to make sure we don’t run the risk of the virus running away from us again.”

Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross welcomed the plans, saying the government had not "given enough hope" to people when setting out its path for easing lockdown.