Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for laboratories and research facilities: BRIA

Context

The First Minister announced that Scotland would be entering a lockdown on 23 March 2020. All non-essential businesses were advised to close on a precautionary basis in order to help control the spread of the virus.

However, it should be noted that some laboratories and research facilities remained operational to carry out essential work.

Under law, the Scottish Government is required to review the progress out of lockdown at least every 3 weeks. The Coronavirus (COVID-19): framework for decision making – Scotland's route map through and out of the crisis, was published on 21 May 2020 and sets out the phases by which we will aim to ease lockdown. Progress through the 4 phases of the route map will be gradual and incremental, and will be matched with careful monitoring of the virus.

On 29 June 2020, the Scottish Government published the COVID-19 guidance for laboratories and research facilities, to give employers the time to plan and prepare for the safe reopening of non-essential labs and research facilities in phase 2 of the Scottish Government's Route Map out of lockdown. It sets out the Scottish Government's expectations on what laboratories and research facilities of all sizes, sectors and disciplines need to consider as part of their planning for restart, while recognising that some essential research related to COVID-19 has continued throughout the pandemic.

On 9 July 2020, labs and research facilities in Scotland, including those on university campuses, could re-open and resume non-essential research unable to be conducted remotely, subject to the implementation of relevant guidance (including risk assessments, physical distancing and enhanced hygiene measures).

In line with 3 weekly reviews of lockdown, the guidance for labs and research facilities is reviewed on 3 weekly cycles.