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Publication - Advice and guidance

Coronavirus (COVID-19): staying safe and protecting others

Last updated 17 February 2023 - see all updates
Part of
Coronavirus in Scotland, Public safety and emergencies

How to keep ourselves and each other safe from coronavirus (COVID-19).

This document is part of a collection

Keep your distance

Viruses spread when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, and droplets and aerosols from their mouth or nose are launched into the air.

So, the risk of spreading decreases from person to person as distance is increased.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) continues to advise that you should try to stay at least 1 metre from those outside your own household – so if you can, take a step back when talking to people outside your household.

Look out for people wearing a Distance Aware badge or lanyard. You may also wish to wear a Distance Aware lanyard or badge to signal to others that you need more space or care taken around you.

First published
24 August 2021
Last updated
17 February 2023 - show all updates

  1. Minor update to text on the overview page re: busier areas/heating.

  2. Minor changes to page.

  3. Ventilation guidance updated.

  4. Changes to page: If you suspect you have Covid

  5. Updated to reflect the current situation with testing and staying at home.

  6. Guidance restored from archive and re purposed to include latest guidance on reducing risks from transmitting COVID-19.

  7. Edits made to comply with gov.scot writing style guide

  8. Changes made to reflect move to hybrid working introduced from 31 January.

  9. Updated in light of changes being introduced from 28 January.

  10. Updated to summarise changes from 28 and 31 January covering face covering exemptions and home working.

  11. Updated to provide more detail on changes to measures from 24 January 2022.

  12. Updated to summarise changes that will come into place from 24 January 2022.

  13. Updated to reflect latest position on the COVID certification scheme and events.

  14. Meeting people guidance updated to reflect latest position and removal of guidance on travel to events in other parts of the UK.

  15. Updated definition of 'fully vaccinated'.

  16. Updated to explain changes from 17 January 2022.

  17. Self-isolation information updated to reflect latest position.

  18. Updated to reflect current position.

  19. Updated information on places of worship.

  20. Updated following First Minister's statement on 21 December 2021.

  21. Updated information on face coverings for performers.

  22. Added link to organised activities for children guidance.

  23. Updated to reflect 2m face covering rule.

  24. Updated to include guidance for the festive period

  25. Updated to includes changes announced by the First Minister on 14 December 2021.

  26. Updated to include work Christmas party advice.

  27. Going to work section updated to reflect latest position.

  28. Translations added.

  29. Travel section updated.

  30. Updated information on events.

  31. Added information on covid vaccination certification scheme.

  32. Added information on vaccine certification.

  33. Additional clarification on face coverings and performers added.

  34. Added information on the temporary removal of face coverings during wedding ceremonies.

  35. Updated guidance with additional information on self-isolation.

  36. Updated guidance with additional information.

  37. Expanded guidance for health and social care settings.

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