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Publication - Advice and guidance

Respiratory infections including Coronavirus (COVID-19): staying well and protecting others

Last updated
22 September 2023 - see all updates
Part of
Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Scotland, Public safety and emergencies

How to reduce the risk of respiratory infections including coronavirus (COVID-19) to keep ourselves and each other well.

This document is part of a collection

Ventilation

Increasing the flow of fresh air in your home is one of a number of steps that you can take to reduce the risk of spreading respiratory infections including COVID-19..

You can play a part in reducing the spread of respiratory infections including COVID-19 by assessing risks as part of your normal routine. You should take account of risks to yourself and those around you when deciding which actions are most appropriate for you.

There are some easy steps you can take to improve the flow of fresh air in your home and reduce the risk of infections spreading:

  • Wherever possible, try to meet others outside or in a well-ventilated space. If this is not possible, try to reduce the amount of time spent indoors and let fresh air into your home before visitors arrive and after they have left, if you can
  • Maintain a regular supply of fresh, clean, outdoor air, when you can. This can often be done by simply opening windows, doors or vents for as long as you can. Always make sure that it is safe to do so and that there is no risk of injury or an increased security risk
  • Check whether trickle vents (small vents usually on top of a window) or grilles are open and not blocked. Air that flows in from these vents will mix with warm air in the room as it enters, which helps keep the room at a comfortable temperature
  • If you can, open more than one door and/or window to allow more fresh air to move inside and circulate
  • If your home has a mechanical ventilation system, make sure this is working and maintained in line with manufacturers’ instructions. Setting ventilation systems to bring fresh air into your home rather than just recirculating indoor air will help

In colder or windy weather, where it is not comfortable to leave windows or doors open fully, even a small opening of a window, vents and doors can help increase a flow of fresh air indoors. Windows, vents and doors do not need to stay open all the time. They can be opened for a short time, particularly when you have visitors or are socialising with others at home.

Organisations and workplaces should follow the safer workplaces and public settings guidance on ventilation.

Cost of living crisis: find out what help is available.

First published
24 August 2021
Last updated
22 September 2023 - show all updates

  1. Face coverings page updated to add that face coverings exemption card scheme closed.

  2. Face coverings page updated to add that face coverings exemption card scheme will close on 22 September.

  3. Title updated.

  4. Updated page if you suspect you have COVID-19 to reflect who can access testing.

  5. Updated to reflect current stage of pandemic.

  6. Minor update to overview.

  7. Minor updates to all sections.

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

  9. Minor changes to page.

  10. Ventilation guidance updated.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  22. Updated definition of 'fully vaccinated'.

  23. Updated to explain changes from 17 January 2022.

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

  25. Updated to reflect current position.

  26. Updated information on places of worship.

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

  28. Updated information on face coverings for performers.

  29. Added link to organised activities for children guidance.

  30. Updated to reflect 2m face covering rule.

  31. Updated to include guidance for the festive period

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

  33. Updated to include work Christmas party advice.

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

  35. Translations added.

  36. Travel section updated.

  37. Updated information on events.

  38. Added information on covid vaccination certification scheme.

  39. Added information on vaccine certification.

  40. Additional clarification on face coverings and performers added.

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

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

  43. Updated guidance with additional information.

  44. Expanded guidance for health and social care settings.

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