Scotland’s path out of lockdown: phase 3 - explainer

Together, we’ve made substantial progress in suppressing the virus – which was made possible by the collective efforts and sacrifices we’ve all been making. With the consistent reduction in

deaths, hospitalisations and transmission rates, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced that Scotland has now moved to Phase 3 of the Scottish Government’s route map out of lockdown.

HERE’S ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PHASE 3, WHAT THE NEW RULES ARE, AND WHAT IT MEANS FOR YOU. NOTE: This page is a general summary, and is updated when significant changes come into force –

but for the most recent advice and guidance, head to the Scottish Government website. The graphic guide above summarises the next dates for gradual re-opening in Phase 3. YOU CAN ONLY MEET

WITH SIX PEOPLE FROM MAXIMUM TWO HOUSEHOLDS AT A TIME When meeting people outside your household for a social gathering, you may meet people socially from no more than one other household at

a time indoors or outdoors – with a maximum limit of six people. You should stay at least two metres apart from people from other households at all times. This limit applies if, for

example, meeting others at home, in an outdoor space including a garden or park, or in a pub, restaurant or café. See the guidance on meeting others in a pub, restaurant, café or other

indoor hospitality venue. > Restricting indoor and outdoor gatherings to six people from no more > than two households is a ‘tough measure’ – but Scotland is in > a ‘precarious 

position’ with rising coronavirus cases, Nicola > Sturgeon tells the STV News at Six. https://t.co/sHd3POD1lq > pic.twitter.com/ZEbVpZUFLO >  > — STV News (@STVNews) September 

10, 2020 GYMS, SWIMMING POOLS AND INDOOR SPORTS COURTS CAN RE-OPEN First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has confirmed these sporting facilities can re-open – with enhanced hygiene measures,

following the progress we’ve continued making against the virus. For indoor sports courts, which include dance studios and gymnastics, for people aged 12 and over, the re-opening currently

applies to non-contact activity only. > FM @NicolaSturgeon confirms that gyms, swimming pools and indoor > sports courts can now reopen from 31 August >  > Follow live: 

https://t.co/UWc2VAsVVU pic.twitter.com/WGUAzDpG4v >  > — BBC Scotland News (@BBCScotlandNews) August 20, 2020 SHOPPING, EATING OUT AND DRINKING Following the re-opening of many retail

units on 29 June, NON-ESSENTIAL SHOPS INSIDE SHOPPING CENTRES – with enhanced hygiene measures, physical distancing and limits of people allowed inside can also now re-open. Outdoor

hospitality facilities, such as beer gardens and pavement cafes, can also now re-open – as well as many more facilities since 15 July: * Indoor hospitality, such as restaurants and bars *

Hairdressers and barbers * Museums, galleries, monuments and various visitor attractions * Cinemas (including drive-ins and other venues screening films) * Libraries * All holiday

accommodation Other personal retail services, such as beauticians and tailors, have been allowed to re-open from 22 July. SOME OUTDOOR LIVE EVENTS – with physical distancing, enhanced

hygiene and restricted numbers – as well as ORGANISED OUTDOOR CONTACT SPORTS for people of all ages are also able to re-open. > FM @NicolaSturgeon says restrictions earmarked to be eased 

on the 24 > August can go ahead. >  > These include: > ➡️ outdoor live events > ➡️ outdoor contact sports > ➡️ driving lessons > ➡️ some indoor advice services > 

> (via @BBCScotlandNews)pic.twitter.com/7oMgEN26e5 >  > — BBC Radio Scotland (@BBCRadioScot) August 20, 2020 FACE COVERINGS ARE NOW MANDATORY IN SHOPS Following the introduction of

mandatory face coverings on public transport, the measures have been extended to all retail settings. This will ensure we can suppress transmission rates even further and take away more

opportunities for the virus to spread. By wearing a face covering in shops and public transport, WE’RE ALL SAFER. > 😷 Wearing a face covering is now mandatory in all of Scotland’s > 

shops, as well as public transport. >  > 📢 @NicolaSturgeon: “It’s one of the ways in which we show > solidarity for each other & allow each other to live less restricted > 

lives, without seeing a resurgence in the virus.” > pic.twitter.com/PIpzzGSlQP >  > — The SNP (@theSNP) July 10, 2020 > Impact on those shielding Thanks to the progress we’ve all

made against the virus, the First Minister confirmed that SHIELDING ADVICE HAS OFFICIALLY PAUSED FROM 1 AUGUST – meaning those who have been shielding to protect themselves can now follow

the advice set for the general public. Read the most recent shielding advice here. TRAVELLING AND GETTING AROUND People can now get around across Scotland for leisure purposes, as the 5-mile

travel restriction has been lifted. Public transport is operating increased services with provision for physical distancing, and WEARING FACE COVERINGS IS COMPULSORY on all transport modes,

including buses, trains, trams, taxis and more. Travelling at peak times, where possible, is still discouraged to avoid overcrowding. > FM @NicolaSturgeon urges people to make wearing 

face coverings in > shops as automatic as wearing a seat belt in a car >  > Follow live: https://t.co/HROACAjJS6 pic.twitter.com/47mJfpPvaY >  > — BBC Scotland News 

(@BBCScotlandNews) July 10, 2020 WORKING OR RUNNING A BUSINESS In Phase 3, REMOTE WORKING (WORKING FROM HOME) SHOULD STILL REMAIN THE DEFAULT POSITION for those who can – but as more and

more businesses gradually re-open, they are required to put in place staggered work times, enhanced hygiene measures, provisions for physical distancing, and other arrangements to ensure

that staff are safe. Indoor non-office-based workplaces, such as manufacturing, warehouses and lab/research facilities can now re-open, and from 15 July – many businesses in the hospitality,

tourism and cultural sector, as set out in the guidance.  SCHOOLS, CHILDCARE AND OTHER EDUCATIONAL SETTINGS Thanks to our collective progress we’ve made against this virus, we have been

able to re-open schools and RETURNED TO FULL-TIME, FACE-TO-FACE TEACHING FROM 11 AUGUST. We are continuing to put safety first, consistently monitor the situation, and follow the best

scientific advice to ensure no one is put at risk. ALL CHILDCARE PROVIDERS CAN ALSO NOW RE-OPEN, subject to individual provider arrangements and with extra safety measures in place.

UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES have been able to return FROM 22 JULY, on a phased basis, with a blended-learning model (in-person and remote teaching) to begin with. > 👏 Through our collective

 efforts, Scotland has made great > progress tackling Covid – so we are moving to Phase 3 of exiting > lockdown. >  > 🔎 But we must be aware the virus is still out there – life

> should not feel entirely normal. >  > ❤️ Let’s stay safe, protect others, and save lives. > pic.twitter.com/RXNzhBNrSm >  > — The SNP (@theSNP) July 9, 2020 GATHERINGS

AND OCCASIONS In Phase 3, PLACES OF WORSHIP can now re-open for personal prayer, communal prayer and congregational services – with limited numbers, hygiene measures and physical distancing

in place. Face coverings should be worn. Restrictions can also now be eased on the attendance at FUNERALS, MARRIAGE CEREMONIES AND CIVIL PARTNERSHIP REGISTRATIONS, also with limited numbers

and in strict adherence to public health measures. > First Minister @NicolaSturgeon has announced that from Wednesday 15 > July, a maximum of 20 people, where physical distancing 

allows, will > be able to attend the service for funeral, marriage or civil > partnership ceremonies. >  > Read her full statement: https://t.co/rVgzjUUMhm > 

pic.twitter.com/uOoxJsAsR9 >  > — Scot Gov Fairer (@ScotGovFairer) July 10, 2020 HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE In line with the NHS re-mobilisation plan, there will be a further expansion of

URGENT REFERRALS and prioritised referrals to secondary care, as well as SCREENING SERVICES and COMMUNITY OPTOMETRY PRACTICES. We are also EXPANDING THE RANGE OF GP SERVICES and increasing

the number of home visits to shielded patients – according to local mobilisation plans and where it’s safe to do so. ALL DENTAL PRACTICES may begin to see registered patients for non-aerosol

routine care, and we have commissioned an expert review to assess when it will be safe to re-open all aerosol-generating procedures. PUBLIC HEALTH GUIDANCE We all have a crucial part to

play in tackling this pandemic – and by sticking to these basic rules in each phase, all of us can help to do that. It will also ensure that together, we can move even more quickly and more

safely towards normality, while protecting our communities and saving lives. Remember the key guidance: * Stay at least 2 metres apart from people in other households * Wear face coverings

in enclosed spaces, such as public transport and shops * Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly * If you have symptoms of COVID-19 – a new continuous cough, a fever, or a loss or change

of taste or smell, book a test and self-isolate immediately * You can book a test at nhsinform.scot or by phoning NHS24 on 0800 028 2816. > 💛 Together, we’ve come so far in tackling this 

virus by > sticking to the clear public health rules. >  > Let’s keep doing the right thing to keep saving lives. >  > Here are 5️⃣ key measures you need to remember. > 

pic.twitter.com/kV6kQa4d4G >  > — The SNP (@theSNP) July 2, 2020