From work to haircuts, what the rules mean for you
NICOLA Sturgeon has said the new regulations will be ‘much closer’ to the lockdown imposed during the first wave, which began in March. Here is your essential guide to the latest rules as mainland Scotland goes from Level 4 to full lockdown. Simply put, by law, you can leave your home (or garden) only if you have a ‘reasonable excuse’.
Why are such stringent measures being put in place again?
TO stop the virus spreading between households. A new variant of Covid-19 is far more infectious than previous strains and now accounts for almost half of Scotland’s cases.
So when can I leave the house?
THERE are very few ‘reasonable excuses’ which people can use to leave the home; 1: Shopping for basic essentials, which should be done as infrequently as possible. 2: To exercise, as many times as you wish. 3: Any medical reason, such as attending a hospital appointment or to provide care for a vulnerable person or going for a Covid-19 test or vaccine. : To visit someone in your extended household. 5: To travel to and from work, but only if you cannot work from home. 6: To attend a wedding, funeral or civil partnership ceremony.
Can I go out to exercise?
YES. Last ti me this was restricted to one hour a day. This time round, there is no l i mit to t he amount or frequency of exercise Scots are allowed to take outside their homes. However, despite the wintry weather, ski centres have been closed. People are advised to stay as close to home as possible.
Can I go for a bike ride?
YES. Cycling counts as a form of exercise. It is also a lower-risk form of commuting for key workers than public transport.
Can I exercise with others?
ONLY with members of your own household or with one other person from another household, up to a maximum of two people from two households. So you could go for a run with your partner or meet up with one friend outside for a walk or a jog.
What about going to the park?
PARKS are still open – for now.
But people must stay away from others.
What are the rules for children?
CHILDREN aged 11 and under can play with others outside, or take part in organised activities, in large groups of up to 15. Those aged 12-17 must follow the rules for adults.
What about care homes?
TESTING of visitors is taking place to allow indoor visiting to care home residents. Under the new l ockdown, only ‘essential’ indoor visits are allowed but homes can allow outdoor ‘window’ visiting.
What counts as a medical need?
GOING to the GP or for a hospital or dental appointment. All doctors have been asked to use telephone or video links where possible for routine appointments. But in some cases there is no way to avoid a face-to-face consultation.
Can I give blood?
OFFICIALS have confirmed this is a medical need – and is particularly important at the moment as the NHS has seen a drop in donations.
Can I see a dentist?
DENTISTS are shut for all except the most urgent appointments. If you are in agony, do phone your dentist to see whether or not you should visit. But routine check-ups have been postponed since March.
Can I take my pet to the vet?
VETS will stay open f or emergencies and to fulfil prescriptions only. All routine care will be postponed and non-urgent inquiries will be dealt with by telephone.
I provide care for an elderly relative – can I continue to visit them?
YES. Caring for a vulnerable person is considered a medical need. It is very important that continuity of care is maintained. However, keep more than six feet ( two metres) apart if possible. If your care involves washing, dressing or cleaning them, use gloves, aprons and a mask.
What is happening with schools?
FROM today until January 29, schools can only open to inperson learning for children of key workers and vulnerable children, with remote learning for all other children and young people from January 11 to January 29.
What about higher education?
COLLEGES and universities can operate usi ng a more restricted mix of face-to-face and di s t ance l earning, although talks on restrictions will take place today.
I am separated from my ex-partner and we share custody of our children. Can they still see each other?
YES. An exception has been made in the rules so children in this situation can travel between your two homes – but the number of these trips should be limited.
Can my children see their grandparents?
NO. Family visits should be put on hold for now. This is particularly important as a key part of the new measures is
to protect those at risk, particularly the elderly.
Can I still be part of an extended household?
YES, if you are an adult living alone or have children under 18. But a household must not form an extended household with more than one other household.
Can non-cohabiting couples visit each other’s homes?
YES, as long as this is your extended household.
I’m not on the key worker list, but I can’t work from home. What should I do? YOU should go to work unless you are unwell. Employers should be doing all they can to make things safe for staff – and do all they can to allow people to work from home. Unlike the first lockdown, construction has not been halted.
Can a plumber come round if my boiler breaks?
YES, for an emergency this is classed as an essential service. If there is a leak, an electrical problem or another emergency issue, it is fine for that to be dealt with. But routine servicing, refurbishment or small building works should be put on hold.
Can I get a taxi?
NO restrictions are in place for taxis or private hire cars, but they should only be used for essential travel.
Can I go shopping?
YES, although the Scottish Government has asked that this be done as infrequently as is practical. Essential retail is open and adults are asked to visit shops alone.
What shops remain open?
SUPERMARKETS, food shops, newsagents, health shops, pharmacies and pet shops are all open. Petrol stations, garages, post offices, car hire businesses and banks are also still running.
What has closed?
ALL non-essential retailers including clothes shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants. Garden centres and plant nurseries have been removed from the list of essential retail.
Can I shop online?
YES, many non- essential businesses that have been forced to close their premises are continuing their online delivery services, though demand is high. Click and collect services are open.
Can I get a takeaway?
YES. Takeaways remain open and restaurants that have been told to close have been allowed to sell takeaway food.
What about getting my haircut?
NO, this is not deemed to be essential. All hair, beauty and nail salons must close.
Can I go to the library?
NO, libraries have closed. But most give members access to large collections of online ebooks and talking books, which can be downloaded to a mobile phone, tablet or computer.
Can I go to church?
PLACES of worship will be closed from Friday.
What about weddings and funerals?
THESE can still go ahead with limited numbers attending: a maximum of five for weddings and civil partnership ceremonies and 20 for funerals.
What if I am shielding?
THOSE who are shielding but cannot work from home are now advised not to work. The Chief Medical Officer is writing to everyone who falls into this category
I want to do my bit to help others cope with the crisis. Can I leave the house to volunteer? YES. The Government has made clear that volunteering counts as essential travel – but social distancing advice must be followed i n any voluntary activities.