DISTANCING REMAINS IN HEALTHCARE

HOSPITALS, doctors’ surgeries and dentists will still require two-metre physical distancing after the coronavirus restrictions are eased, Scotland’s Health Secretary announced yesterday.

Humza Yousaf confirmed that social distancing will remain in place but will be reviewed in the future.

He said: ‘The safety of patients and healthcare staff is paramount. As we move beyond Level 0, we must remember that the virus has not gone away and safeguards like distancing may be needed in some settings as we learn to live with Covid-19.

‘Physical distancing in our health system will remain for now as we move safely out of lockdown.

‘We will keep the situation under review and will publish a plan for the safe recovery of our NHS in the coming weeks.’

Deputy Chief Nursing Officer Anne Armstrong said: ‘Hospitals and other healthcare settings have developed new ways of working to meet the challenges of the pandemic, but there is still a risk of hospitalised cases and winter threats.

‘Physical distancing will help protect staff and patients as part of the ongoing management of confirmed or suspected Covid cases.’