Scotland is moving beyond Level 0 today, meaning restrictions that have been in place since the beginning of the pandemic will be eased.
One important restrictions that is changing is the way we self-isolate, which has been a core part of the pandemic since coronavirus was first identified.
Nicola Sturgeon announced the major new changes to isolation restrictions last week when she confirmed 'Freedom Day' would push ahead this week.
Under the old rules, anyone who was a close contact with someone who tested positive was required to isolate, regardless of vaccination status.
Here's everything you need to know about the new self-isolation rules in Scotland...
Do I have to isolate if I come into contact with a positive case?
Beyond Level 0, the requirement to self-isolate as a close contact of a positive case has changed for fully vaccinated individuals, as long as you remain asymptomatic.
You do not need to self-isolate as a close contact if you:
- Are fully vaccinated and 14 days has passed since your second dose of vaccination
- You have taken a negative PCR test since being advised to isolate as a close contact. You must remain in self-isolation while awaiting the result of the PCR test result
- You do not develop COVID-19 symptoms. If symptoms develop at any stage, you must self-isolate immediately and book a PCR test, in line with existing arrangements
What are the rules of fully vaccinated people?
You do not need to self-isolate as a close contact if you are fully vaccinated and 14 days has passed since your second dose of vaccination, and you have a negative PCR test.
Adults who are not fully vaccinated must continue to self-isolate for 10 days if identified as a close contact of someone who has tested positive.
If you are not fully vaccinated, receiving a negative PCR test result after identification as a close contact does not permit you to leave self-isolation.
What are the rules for children?
If a young person aged five to 17 is identified as a close contact, they will need to take a PCR test – but they can end their self-isolation if they test negative.
Close contacts under the age of five will be encouraged to take a PCR test. However, there is no requirement on under fives to self-isolate - provided they do not develop symptoms.
The Scottish Government is set to provide further guidance on school pupils.
What happens if I test positive?
People who test positive must still self-isolate for 10 days from the onset of symptoms, or from the date of the positive test if displaying no symptoms.
What about travelling abroad?
Self-isolation rules will still apply for travelling abroad according the to traffic light system.
The green list - has no quarantine for returning passengers.
The amber list - fully vaccinated adults in the UK, the US and most European countries don't have to self-isolate upon arrival.
The red list - adults regardless of vaccination status must self-isolate for 10 days in a government-approved quarantine hotel for 10 days.
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