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Coronavirus in Scotland

You should:

  • wear a face covering
  • avoid crowded places
  • clean hands and surfaces regularly
  • stay 2m away from other people
  • self-isolate and book a test if you have COVID-19 symptoms (new continuous cough, fever or loss of, or change in, sense of smell or taste)
  • download the Protect Scotland contact tracing app

Mainland Scotland and some islands are in lockdown with guidance to stay at home, except for essential purposes. Some islands will remain at Level 3.  

Our updated Strategic Framework sets out how we will gradually and safely move out of lockdown.

Information and support

Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in Scotland

 

What you can and cannot do

 

Mainland Scotland and some islands are in lockdown with guidance to stay at home, except for essential purposes. Some islands will remain at Level 3.  

Our updated Strategic Framework sets out how we’ll gradually and safely move out of lockdown.

Travel and quarantine

 

Travel within Scotland

Mainland Scotland and some islands are in lockdown. You must stay at home and not travel unless you have an essential reason. See guidance on travel.

Travelling to and from other parts of the UK and abroad

You must not travel into or out of Scotland without an essential reason. See the list of essential reasons. 

Check international coronavirus travel advice for people returning to or arriving in Scotland, including how to quarantine.

Guidance for British people travelling abroad, if legally permitted, is at gov.uk.

COVID-19 vaccine

 

Get coronavirus vaccination information on the NHS Inform website.

Testing and self-isolating

 

You should self-isolate immediately if:

Help if you need to self-isolate

Call the National Assistance Helpline on 0800 111 4000 to access a range of support to help you self-isolate, including:

  • £500 Self-Isolation Support Grant (if you are a worker on a low income - conditions apply)
  • access to food
  • access to medicine

See also: guidance if you have been asked to self-isolate

Schools, universities, education and childcare

 

Schools

From 15 March, we plan:

  • a return to school full-time for all remaining primary school children (P4-7)
  • a part-time return for all secondary school pupils
  • a re-start of regulated childcare, including breakfast and after-school clubs

Read more about the back to school plans.

These plans are conditional on continued progress on suppressing coronavirus (COVID-19).

Guidance for schools.

Information for parents and carers is on the Parent Club website.

Early education and childcare

Universities and colleges

Guidance for universities, colleges and student accommodation providers.

Information for students is on the Student Information Scotland website

Businesses, workplaces and self-employed people

 

Workplace safety

You should follow the guidance for your sector or workplace, to help keep your workplace, employees and customers safe.

This includes guidance for:

There is also general guidance on workplace safety.

Business support and grants

Find out about support available to your business.

You can also get information on business support at the Find Business Support website. 

Hospitality, tourism and retail

 

See guidance for:

Work

 

You should only travel to go to work if you cannot do your job from home.

Read guidance on working from home during coronavirus.

Check your coronavirus risk at work.

Find out what to do if you're worried about going to work because of coronavirus on Citizens Advice Scotland.

Get information on your workplace rights from the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS).

Looking after yourself and others

 

Shielding

Find out what support is available if you have been shielding during coronavirus. 

Advice for people with specific medical conditions.

General help and advice, including mental health

Find a list of organisations who can give you help and advice on the Ready Scotland website.

Funerals, weddings and civil partnerships

 

Animal and pet owners

 

Scottish Government strategy and evidence