The need for clarity on new Covid rules

Confusion is understandable as new guidance is developed but problems must be addressed

Confusion has been a common theme when it comes to almost all the coronavirus restrictions we have been told to live with.

There have been differences in approach between the four nations, clarifications often muddying the water further, some rules apparently left up to individual interpretation, and others seemingly changing by the day. The only message which was really clear was ‘ stay at home’ and no- one wants to go back there again.

One of the new rows is over guidance for parents and early years workers on singing in nurseries.

New guidance is set to be issued which will advise against children singing in groups, dashing any remaining hopes of Nativity performances this year.

The issue comes because nurseries say the new instructions are contradictory, telling them children can sing as part of activities, but not in groups. Staff meanwhile cannot "sing around or near the children”.

Confused? Imagine trying to impose such rules on a classroom of pre- school children. It will be just as challenging you would think as telling university freshers not to stage parties in their halls, only possibly with more tears.

What it highlights is the need for as much clarity as possible as Scotland moves into its new five- tier system of restrictions.

With the tiers reviewed on a weekly basis, restrictions will also, you would expect, regularly change throughout the winter.

Neighbouring local authority areas will often be operating under different rules. Not a problem except people do not live their lives within their council boundaries, even in lockdown.

The latest state of play in any particular area has to be clearly communicated to all, and we, the media, have an important part to play here too.

But confusion around guidance is understandable, we are living in unprecedented times and advice will be developed often quite rapidly.

What is important is that where problems are identified – whether that be in a nursery class or a workplace – that it is put right as swiftly as possible.

That may not save the Nativity plays this year but it will prevent a lot of tears.