Relief for businesses and venues in Perth and Kinross after announcement of 'Freedom Day'

Perth and Kinross will see many COVID restrictions removed from Monday, July 19, it was confirmed today. However, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon did caveat the announcement that the country will move to level zero on July 19 "with modifications".One of these mitigations is that mandatory face coverings will remain in place "for some time to come".

Meghan McCain is speaking out.

Join thousands of others in getting the stories that matter to you sent straight to your inbox.A decision will be taken on Stirling’s Covid ‘Freedom Day’ next week as the country continues to battle a surge in cases.The region is set to move into the lowest level of coronavirus restrictions from July 19 before dropping almost all restrictions on August 9.But in the wake of a rise in cases across the country the easing of restrictions from that date has not been confirmed.First Minister Nicola

Perth and Kinross ’s seven day positivity rate currently sits at 550.8 per 100,000 in the week ending July 4 but that is actually a slight drop from July 3 after constant rises since June 17.

Covid restrictions will be dictated by the number of cases across the country, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said, as she admitted the August 9 'Freedom Day' date is not set in stone. Sturgeon has expressed confidence that the country can move into Level 0 together on July 19, albeit with some restrictions remaining.But she has stopped short of announcing a sweeping end to lockdown and said the Scottish Government must follow the data.

Perth and Kinross and wider Tayside. Chief superintendent Phil Davison started his new role on July 5 and takes over from fellow CS Andrew Todd, who is set to retire later this month.

Perth and Kinross. Both residents passed away from the virus between June 28 and July 4, according to the latest National Records of Scotland (NRS) statistics.It marks the third and fourth deaths registered in the region this month with two more residents passing away from the virus between June 14-20.The number of deaths in the region, where COVID is mentioned on the death certificate, this year now stands at 123.

Perth and Kinross has more than tripled over the past two weeks. It comes as the World Health Organisation data shows Tayside has become the COVID capital of Europe with the current highest rates of infection.

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West Dunbartonshire Council after reports of anti-catholic graffiti across the region. During last week’s council meeting, Councillor Karen Conaghan told members she had been contacted by “distressed” constituents over slogans being painted locally.

Perth and Kinross GP surgeries are seeing a surge in cases not seen before. Patients who have been storing up health issues, awaiting surgery and suffering mental health problems during the COVID pandemic are now turning in their droves to health centres for help.

Perth and Kinross Council was asked to agree a revised version of rules governing how meetings are conducted when it met virtually on June 23.

Perth and Kinross have been added by NHS Tayside as the health board tries to bring the COVID-19 pandemic under control. Cases have risen sharply in Perth and Kinross over the past week, with the current seven-day infection rate sitting at 332.3 per 100,000 people - a record high for the region.

Perth and Kinross have applied for EU settlement status before the deadline passes on Wednesday, June 30. An update was provided to PKC’s audit committee on Wednesday after concerns were raised last week over issues with providing face-to-face support due to COVID.

Perth and Kinross is now recording its highest ever COVID-19 infection rate.