From next Monday you will be allowed to meet another household inside your own home for the first time this year.

All council areas in Scotland are expected to move from level three to at least level two from Monday, May 17.

The change in restrictions coincides with the news that the Covid-19 alert level in the UK has been downgraded after a "consistent" fall in cases, hospital admissions and deaths.

These changes will mean that you will be allowed to meet indoors, including homes, as long as you stick to the restrictions.

Here's what you need to know:

Meeting in homes

The maximum number of people who can meet indoors socially in a home is four which can be from two households, including for overnight stays.

Children under the age of 12 do not count towards the total number of people or households meeting outside but do count towards household numbers indoors

Children under 12 do not need to maintain physical distance from others.

Barrhead News:

When you meet people from another household indoors you should:

  • Minimise the number of meetings you have with people from other households each day.
  • Stay at least two metres apart from anyone who is not part of your household.
  • Maintain hand and cough hygiene.
  • Avoid touching hard surfaces with your hands.
  • Wash your hands when you arrive, when you leave, when you get home and especially before eating or after touching surfaces.
  • Not sharing food or utensils.
  • Keep rooms well ventilated, if possible – consider opening windows or a door.