Going out and shielding in Scotland

Scotland has now “moved beyond” Level 0. This means that most restrictions previously in place have now been lifted and the guidance has been updated. 

It is very important to note, however, that despite the lifting of many restrictions, some regulations remain in place in certain situations – including the use of face coverings in indoor public venues, and the requirement to provide Test and Protect details to hospitality venues. 

The legal requirement for physical distancing and limits on gatherings has now been removed, with all venues across Scotland now able to re-open. 

However, some measures remain in place, including: 

• The use of face coverings in indoor public venues. 
• The collection of contact details in public venues as part of Test and Protect. 
• Capacity limits of 2,000 people indoors and 5,000 people outdoors (although exceptions may be possible on a case by case basis). 

For adults who are identified as close contacts of someone who has tested positive for Covid-19, there is now revised guidance on self-isolation: 

• Anyone who is double-vaccinated with at least two weeks passed since their second dose and who has no symptoms will not be required to self-isolate if they return a negative PCR test. 
• Close contacts who have not received their second vaccine within the previous two weeks will still be expected to self-isolate, as will anyone who returns a positive PCR test. 
• The same conditions will also apply to anyone aged between five and 17 years old, even if they have not been vaccinated. 
• The requirement to take a PCR test will not apply to children under the age of five. 
• Revised guidance for under-18s will now mean that the blank isolation of whole classes in schools will no longer happen, with a targeted approach that only identifies children and young people who are high-risk close contacts. 

The Scottish Government will continue to review guidelines every three weeks and has confirmed that restrictions may be introduced locally should it be deemed necessary.

Mandatory Vaccine Certification in Scotland

The Scottish Government has confirmed that a “mandatory vaccine certification” scheme be in place Friday 1 October. Under this scheme, people over the age of 18 will need to show – if asked – that they have had both doses of the vaccine before they are allowed entry to certain venues and events.
These venues and events include:
•    Nightclubs.
•    Unseated indoor events with more than 500 people, even if some are seated.
•    Unseated outdoor events with more than 4,000 people.
•    Any event with more than 10,000 people in attendance.

Exemptions

Anyone who is already exempt from being fully vaccinated, including for medical reasons, will also be exempt from this scheme, as will employees working at the venues and anyone under the age of 18.
The Scottish Government plans to develop an exemptions approval process for medical exemptions, which will be finalised and published ahead of implementation of the scheme. We will provide more information on this when available.

Accessing Your Vaccine Certification

People who have had two vaccines in Scotland can download or get a paper copy of their confirmation by visiting the NHS Scotland website.

NHS Scotland Covid Status App

You can access your mandatory vaccination certificate in the form of a QR code via the NHS Scotland Covid Status app. After completing a few steps to register, the app will allow you to provide confirmation of your vaccination status when attending an event or venue that requires a mandatory vaccination certificate.

The app can be downloaded for both Apple and Android devices.

Face coverings 

In Scotland, you have to continue to wear a face covering in all indoor public venues and shops as well as public transport and private hire vehicles unless you have a good reason not to, one of which relates to being autistic. 

Shielding 

The Chief Medical Officer wrote to everyone who is considered most at risk from coronavirus during the week beginning 4 January to set out advice on what further measures they should take to protect themselves from the virus. Those who received this letter and were advised to take these ‘shielding’ measures are free to follow the rules set out for the general population. However, it is recommended that you take steps to socially distance seriously. 

What we’re doing 

We are telling the Government about your experiences of the coronavirus outbreak so it knows what life is like for autistic people and their families. If you want to share your experiences, and any worries or concerns you have, with us by emailing stories@nas.org.uk.