The majority of covid rules and laws in Scotland are soon to be scrapped as we move into the new phase in the pandemic.
For some, it may not feel like that long ago when we were told to stay indoors, and many who are vulnerable are still cautious when leaving the house now.
However, as the vaccine roll-out continues and children as young as five take up the first dose, the Scottish Government has decided to relax even more rules in a bid to 'get back to normal'.
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Offices have already opened with many taking a hybrid approach and social distancing in pubs and restaurants have been lifted - allowing service to be taken at the bar.
Now as we move into April, the rules for face masks are set to gradually change but the news was delivered with caution as infection rates continue to be high.
Latest records reported that one in 11 Scots have Covid-19.
Rules for covid testing
Until April 18, the Scottish Government advises everyone without symptoms to do a lateral flow test at least twice a week, especially if you are going to a crowded place or seeing someone clinically vulnerable.
Until April 30, PCR testing centres will be open for anyone who needs to get tested. You are advised to get a PCR test if you have either; a high temperature or fever, a new continuous cough or a loss of/or change in sense of smell or taste.
But if you test positive on a LFT, you do not need to get a PCR test but isolate immediately for 10 days. If you take a LFT and it's negative on day six AND seven, you can end isolation early.
From April 18 until May 1, advice regarding lateral flow testing will change. The advice will be;
- People who do not have symptoms no longer need to take lateral flow tests twice a week.
- With the exception in health and care settings, the advice to test regularly will also end from 18 April for workplaces, and for early learning and childcare settings, mainstream and special schools, and universities and colleges.
- People who are a close contact will still be advised to test daily using LFTs for seven days and on each occasion when visiting a hospital or care home. This advise will continue until end of April.
- If you have Covid symptoms you should get a PCR test.
Contact tracing of positive cases will also continue until the end of April, and PCR test sites will remain open during this period, though opening hours and locations may change during the transition.
Track and Trace rules
From March 21, it has no longer been a legal requirement for businesses to take customers details for track and trace.
Face mask rules
Places you need to wear a face covering include:
- Shops
- Bars, restaurants, cafes and nightclubs
- Public transport, including stations and bus stops
- At work (including tradespeople working in people’s homes)
From next Monday, April 4, it will no longer be a legal requirement to wear a face covering in places of worship or while attending a marriage ceremony, a civil partnership registration, or a funeral service or commemorative event.
Then on April 18, the new guidance will apply to shops, certain other indoor settings and public transport.
The Scottish Government will encourage the wearing of face coverings in certain indoor places, especially where significant numbers of people are present.
Travel rules for Scotland
Those entering Scotland, no longer need to complete a Passenger Locator Form, take any COVID-19 tests before you leave for Scotland, or after you arrive and no one needs to isolate - regardless of vaccination status.
The Scottish Government adds: "New COVID-19 travel rules in Scotland, or any other country, may be brought in at short notice. You should always check the latest advice for each country you’re planning to travel to before booking your trip and before you go."
