More people to be allowed at weddings and funerals, Nicola Sturgeon confirms

Up to 20 people will be allowed to attend wedding and funeral services from Wednesday, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced.

The move mean funerals will no longer be limited to close family only, as has been the case throughout the coronavirus lockdown.

The change will apply to all types of wedding, civil partnership and funeral service “wherever it is taking place,” Sturgeon said.

But the new rules will not apply to receptions or wakes, which should take place under the standard guidance during phase three of the Scottish Government’s ‘route map’ out of lockdown.

Sturgeon said: “These changes apply only to services and ceremonies. Other gatherings associated with them, such as wedding receptions or funeral wakes are still subject to the rules that apply for all other indoor and outdoor gatherings.”

The FM made the announcement during the Scottish Government’s daily coronavirus press conference.

She confirmed that the number of people who had tested positive for the virus in Scotland had increased by 18 in the past 24 hours.

While the number was still “very low” Sturgeon noted that it was the highest daily figure registered in three weeks and said the government would be looking in to the increase “very closely”.

Sturgeon also urged people to comply with changes to the law which made face coverings mandatory in shops as well as on public transport from Friday.

Additionally, from Friday people in the shielded category no longer need to distance from people they live with and can form “extended households” with one other adult.

Up to eight people from up to three households can meet indoors while maintaining physical distancing.

Non-cohabiting couples will not need to stay physically distant from one another when meeting, while overnight stays are also now permitted.

From Wednesday indoor restaurants, cafes and pubs will be able to reopen, with hospitality venues granted an exception to the two metre distancing requirement.

Economy minister Fiona Hyslop announced further details of a £38m funding package for early stage businesses.

This will include a £3m fund for grants to go to early stage start-ups, a £25m challenge fund for grants and investment capital of up to £300,000 per business and a £10m top-up to Scottish Enterprise co-investment funds.

Hyslop also announced a £2.2m fund for supporting grassroots music venues, with full details to be announced later.