Coronavirus (COVID-19) Phase 2: Scotland's route map - physical distancing update

Our approach to physical distancing

On 18 June the First Minister announced a review by the COVID-19 Advisory Group on the 2 metre physical distancing rule. That advice has today been published. Their advice makes clear that the fundamental science around distance and transmission remains unchanged and that risk increases with proximity to an infected individual.

'The risk of transmission will be increased if the physical distancing recommendation is reduced to 1 metre from 2 metres. This is not only because of the increased risk of direct transmission from respiratory secretions, but also because of increased surface contamination that would occur in indoor environments with higher occupancy.'

However there is also a need to take into account the four harms as set out in our Framework for Decision Making. The framework made clear that, after the necessary condition of suppressing the virus has been met, decisions can be taken which seek to minimise overall harm viewed across health, the economy and broader society. What this means is that policy decisions are required that balance any increased transmission risk from changing the 2 metre requirement, given the current status of the epidemic, with the reduction in other harms that would stem from such a change to the 2 metre requirement.

'In balancing these considerations, a value judgement must be taken as to whether reducing the physical distancing to 1 metre is a tolerable risk. If this is a policy decision, it must be accompanied by clear guidance on spacing in any indoor environment, emphasis on surface cleaning, hand hygiene and cough etiquette. Messaging must be clear that the virus is still present and a continued threat.'

Consistent with the advice set out from the Advisory Group above we will retain 2 metres as the default physical distancing requirement for Phase 3, as it has been in previous phases of the Route Map. We are, however, intending to make exceptions to this 2 metre requirement for a limited number of sectors and settings, following agreement of appropriate and necessary mitigating measures. These exceptions would take into account the wider harms caused by the 2 metre rule – to broader health, the economy and society – as well as transmission risk, particularly in known high-transmission risk settings. In such sectors and settings where the exception applies, individual workplaces, premises or settings may be permitted to move to 1 metre distancing only where agreed risk mitigation measures are in place. Potential illustrative examples are set out below.

It must be noted that in the event of any localised outbreaks or a national resurgence of the virus, these exceptions may be removed and the 2 metre rule reimposed alongside any further measures that are deemed necessary.

The Scottish Government will set out which sectors and settings are considered appropriate for exceptions. At present, we consider the following sectors and settings appropriate for exceptions to the 2 metre rule. As noted, this is not a blanket exception for each sector; individual settings must implement agreed mitigations to qualify for the exception:

• Public Transport
• Outdoor hospitality
• Indoor hospitality
• Retail (including personal retail services)

We will continue to review other settings including in the public sector and the justice system for potential exceptions where it is safe to do so but 2 metres will remain the default position.

We will engage with local authority partners in relation to the safe delivery of public services and with third sector partners. Settings providing essential services where reduced distancing requirements are already in effect and appropriate mitigations have been introduced will not be affected by these changes.

Over recent weeks, we have produced sectoral guidance on safe working with businesses and trades unions. Potential mitigation of risks in different settings has been part of these discussions. Ahead of the reopening of hospitality and tourism, further guidance is also being prepared on the collection of customer contact details to support Test and Protect, which is an important additional mitigating measure.

A further principle in the Framework for Decision Making is that decisions and associated restrictions and requirements should be able to be clearly communicated, in order to support effective compliance. Lack of compliance will increase transmission risk.

Any changes to the physical distancing required should be simple enough to be effectively understood, implemented and followed. For example, clear signage will need to be in place to advise customers that they are entering a 1 metre zone so that people are aware both of the potentially increased transmission risk in such areas and that mitigations should be in place.

In order to ensure effective implementation of mitigations we must also ensure that appropriate processes and resources are in place. Furthermore, in many settings, additional staff training will be required. Workplace risk assessments must be undertaken where required.

By way of example, depending on the specific setting, mitigations could include: Perspex dividers; back-to-back seating; enhanced ventilation; face coverings; customer flow; restrictions on music in hospitality settings (leading to raised voices); and taking contact details for customers for contact-tracing purposes. Compliance with Test & Protect protocols will be critical.

A set of potential mitigations is set out in the table below for illustration, but this should not be seen as the final or complete set as these need to be agreed sector by sector.