Coronavirus (COVID-19) Phase 3: Scotland's route map update - 9 July 2020

Phase 2

Epidemic Status

Virus is controlled but risk of spreading remains. Focus is on containing outbreaks.

Criteria/ Conditions

R is consistently below 1 and the number of infectious cases is showing a sustained decline.

WHO six criteria for easing restrictions must be met

Any signs of resurgence are closely monitored as part of enhanced community surveillance.

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.

Face coverings are mandatory on public transport.

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.

As with previous phase but with the following changes:

Seeing family and friends

People who are shielding are able to leave their home for exercise (from 18th June) and to meet with 1 other household outdoors (max 8 people in total) with physical distancing. People who are shielding can take part in non-contact outdoor activities such as golf, hiking, fishing etc.

People who are not shielding can now meet with more households outside. Limit increased from meeting 1 household to meeting 2 households; 8 person overall limit and need for physical distancing remains.

People who are not shielding can also use toilets indoors while visiting the outdoors of another household. (Hygiene measures are essential.)

Certain household types can now meet others indoors in an 'extended household'.

Getting around

Consistent with the re-opening 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.

People should continue to stay in their local area as much as possible and should not travel more than broadly five miles for leisure or recreation.

Public transport services will increase over the phase, including increased ferry services and capacity. (All phase changes apply to islands.)

Public transport capacity will remain constrained due to physical distancing requirements – and active travel remains the preferred mode of travel.

International border health measures in place.

Schools, childcare and other educational settings

On campus university lab research restarted subject to physical distancing.

College and university staff can return to make essential preparations for restart in Phase 3.

Working or running a business

Remote working remains the default position for those who can.

Indoor (non-office) workplaces resume once relevant guidance is implemented.

  Includes: factories, warehouses, labs and research facilities.

  Excludes: indoor workplaces due to open in Phase 3 (e.g. non-essential offices and call-centres).

Construction sector can implement remaining phases of sectoral plan.

Consistent with Phase 2, accommodation can be provided for those required to stay away from home for work purposes.

Relaxation on restrictions on housing moves.

Shopping, eating and drinking out

Street-access retail can re-open once guidance is implemented. Interiors of shopping centres / malls remain closed for non-essential shops until Phase 3.

Outdoor markets can re-open once guidance is implemented.

We will review the scientific evidence on how pubs and restaurants can open outdoor spaces safely with a review point on 2 July.

Sport, culture and leisure activities

Outdoor sports courts can re-open.

Playgrounds can re-open.

Professional sport can resume – with public health restrictions remaining in place.

Zoos and garden attractions can open for local access only (broadly within five miles) in this phase.

Community and public services

Public services will continue to resume and scale-up during Phase 2, continuing those set out in Phase 1.

In addition to the services set out elsewhere in this phase, resuming activity includes services such as visiting support to Housing First Tenants and the resumption of area-based energy efficiency schemes.

Gatherings and occasions

Registration offices open for high priority tasks.

Places of worship can re-open for individual prayer or contemplation.

Marriages & civil partnerships allowed with minimal attendees – outdoors only.

Health and social care

Increasing health care provision for pent-up demand, urgent referrals and triage of routine services.

Reintroducing some chronic disease management.

Continue phased resumption of any suspended or postponed GP services supported by digital consultation.

Continued GP support for shielded patients, including home visits where clinically necessary.

Dental practices can re-open to see patients with urgent care needs.

Priority referrals to secondary care begin.

Continue to plan with COSLA and Scottish Care and other partners to support and, where needed, review of social care and care home services.

Phased resumption of some screening services.

Community optometry practices re-open for face-to-face emergency and essential eye care.

Consideration to be given to a phased resumption of visiting care homes starting with outdoor visiting where it is clinically safe to do so.

Notes: Please refer to the Phase 3 table for specific dates at which Phase 3 changes occur. Some changes do not yet have a confirmed date. Please refer to guidance for more specific details on each change.