Scots have been urged to use their judgement in interpreting the Route Map published by the Scottish Government on Thursday 21st of May. Covid19 framework for decision making Scotlands route map through and out of the crisis
The Route Map lays out phases that would allow Scotland to come out of lockdown carefully whilst continuing to suppress the Covid19 Virus. It relies on the R number (the rate of transmission) remaining low – for 3 weeks it has been between 0.7 and 1.
It is hoped that Scotland will be able to emerge from lockdown in a few days – Thursday 28th of May.
The different stages or phases are explained in this article: Scotland’s Route Map: Test and Protect
Phase 1 which might start on Thursday would allow some outdoor activities to start up if they can do so safely: like golf or bowling. Not to forget croquet.
It is impossible to publish advice for every eventuality and that is why the plea from Nicola Sturgeon, First Minister of Scotland, is to use your own judgement about what it is safe to do both to protect yourself and others.
Phase 1
Seeing Family and Friends – whilst maintaining physical distancing
Increased use of public places like parks to sit (perhaps if the weather is better to even sunbathe)
One household to meet up with another household outdoors, in small numbers, including in gardens.
Getting Around – whilst maintaining physical distancing
Re-opening some workplaces using staggered times and flexible working. Only where working from home is not possible.
Travelling short distances ( around 5 miles) for recreational purposes or to visit a relative
Walking and cycling are encouraged.
Schools, childcare and other educational settings
See this article: Scotland’s Route Map: Test and Protect
Schools to be back to a blended form of learning – a mixture of school based and home based education on 11th of August.
Childcare will gradually open up during the summer.
Working or running a business
Home working continues to be the best choice where it is possible.
Some sectors like construction will move towards re-opening.
Shopping, eating and drinking out
A gradual re-opening where it can be done safely. This includes garden centres.
People are asked to wear face coverings/masks when in shops to prevent transmission of the virus.
Sport, culture and leisure activities
More outdoor activities including: hiking, canoeing, outdoor swimming, angling, golf – and not forgetting croquet.
Community and public services
A gradual opening up of community support services like respite and day care for people with a disability.
Household refuse centres starting to re-open and the collection of recycling.
Gatherings and occasions
No large public gatherings
Health and Social Care
Re-starting of many NHS services which were delayed or cancelled due to the re-purposing of health services to deal with the Covid19 pandemic.
This includes more digital technology used for GP consultations, emergency dental treatment, IVF treatment and emergency eye care.
It may be possible for limited visits to care homes to take place by a family member.
The Test, Trace, Isolate and Support strategy – Test and Protect – will be available everywhere in Scotland.
The only way the easing of lockdown will be a success is if people use their judgement to decide for themselves what is the best thing to do to continue to protect themselves and others. Every one of us is responsible for suppressing Covid19 to ensure the collective wellbeing for our communities.
The virus is still very much with us. People are still getting very ill and sadly many are dying. The advice remains the same for the rest of this week and during all of Phase 1:
- Physical distancing of 2m
- Wearing a face covering/ mask in shops
- Washing your hands
And if you suspect you have Covid19 – self isolate and follow this guidance:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Guidance for households with possible coronavirus infection
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