Coronavirus (COVID-19) Phase 1: Scotland’s route map update

Phase 1

Epidemic Status

High risk the virus is not yet contained. Continued risk of overwhelming NHS capacity without some restrictions still in place.

Criteria/Conditions

R is below 1 for at least 3 weeks and the number of infectious cases is starting to decline.

Evidence of transmission being controlled also includes a sustained fall in supplementary measures including new infections, hospital admissions, ICU admissions, deaths of at least 3 weeks

Protections advised in each phase

Physical distancing requirements in place

Frequent handwashing and hygiene measures for all

Cough etiquette is maintained.

Face coverings in enclosed public spaces, including public transport

As with previous phase but with the following changes:

Seeing family and friends

More outdoor activity permitted – such as being able to sit in the park, as long as physically distanced

Meeting up with another household outdoors, in small numbers (max 8), including in gardens, but with physical distancing required

Getting around

Consistent with the reopening of workplaces set out in this phase, where home working is not possible businesses and organisations are encouraged to manage travel demand through staggered start times and flexible working patterns.

Permitted to travel short distances for outdoor leisure and exercise but advice to stay within a short distance of your local community (broadly within 5 miles) and travel by walk, wheel and cycle where possible.

International border health measures are introduced

Schools, childcare and other educational settings

School staff return to schools

Increased number of children accessing critical childcare provision.

Re-opening of childminding services and fully outdoor nursery provision

Transition support available to pupils starting P1 and S1 where possible.

Working or running a business

Remote working remains the default position for those who can

For those workplaces that are reopening, employers should encourage staggered start times and flexible working.

Non-essential outdoor workplaces with physical distancing resume once relevant guidance agreed.

Construction – Phases 0-2 of industry restart plan can be implemented. (Industry to consult government before progressing to phase 2).

Preparing for the safe reopening of the housing market.

Workplaces resuming in later phases can undertake preparatory work on physical distancing and hygiene measures.

Shopping, eating and drinking out

Gradual re-opening of drive through food outlets

Garden centres and plant nurseries can reopen with physical distancing. Associated cafes should not reopen at this stage except for takeaway,

Sport, culture and leisure activities

Consistent with the rules and guidance that are applicable to any activity in this phase:

Unrestricted outdoors exercise adhering to distancing measures

Non-contact, outdoor activities in your local areas e.g. golf, hiking, canoeing, outdoor swimming, angling.

Community and public services

Gradual resumption of key support services at the community level with physical distancing and hygiene measures

Restarting face to face Children's Hearings with physical distancing

Greater direct contact for social work and support services with at risk groups and families with physical distancing and hygiene measures

Access to respite/day care to support unpaid carers and for families with a disabled family member

Household Waste Recycling Centres open

Re-opening of court and tribunal buildings, with limited business and public access

Gatherings and occasions

No public gatherings permitted except for meetings of two households, outdoors and with physical distancing

Health and Social Care

Beginning to safely restart NHS services, covering primary, and community services including mental health.

Phased resumption of some GP services supported by an increase in digital consultations

Roll out the NHS Pharmacy First Scotland service in community pharmacies.

Increase care offered at emergency dental hubs as practices prepare to open

Restart, where possible, urgent electives previously paused.

Resumption of NHS IVF treatment has now been approved in Scotland and we are working with the 4 centres to resume services quickly and safely.

Increase provision of emergency eyecare in the community

We will consider the introduction of designated visitors to care homes

Notes: Above examples are illustrations, and are not intended to be comprehensive. Each phase description should be viewed as a general description rather than precise definitions of permitted activities.

All decisions on phasing will be kept under review as the research evidence base on the impact of the virus and the effectiveness of different interventions builds.