Coronavirus (COVID-19): Scotland’s move to level 0


No doubt you will already be aware that, yesterday, the First Minister confirmed that all parts of Scotland will move to Level 0 on 19 July, but with certain modifications to the original indicative plans as a result of the challenges posed by the Delta variant. A summary of the main changes which are likely to affect the manufacturing sector, and which come into force from 00:01 on Monday 19 July, are below:

  • Physical distancing indoors will reduce to 1 metre
  • 15 people from 15 different households can meet outdoors and will no longer be required to distance from each other – however, each group of 15 people will be required to maintain 1 metre distance from different groups
  • Phased return to offices will be delayed until the ‘Gateway condition’ is met (conditional on all adults over 40 protected with two doses of the vaccination and a review of the epidemic being carried out ahead of the date for that move).
  • Employers are being asked to continue to support homeworking where possible until we move beyond Level 0

In addition, from 04:00 Monday 19 July, fully vaccinated travellers arriving into Scotland from Amber list countries will no longer be required to self-isolate and take a test on day eight. Adults (and children over 12) will still take tests before travelling and on day two after arrival. Anyone testing positive or experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 will still require to self-isolate for 10 days.

There are no changes to the requirements to wear a face covering or the need to self-isolate for those who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, who have tested positive, or who are a close contact of someone who has tested positive.

The First Minister will provide a further update to Parliament the week before the next review date on 9 August.

Further information on what Level 0 means for all sectors is available here and the First Minister’s full speech can be found here.

ScotGov is in the process of updating the COVID-19 Manufacturing Guidance and Operational Checklist. The updated version is due for publication on the Scottish Government website on 19 July.

As always, if you have any questions you can contact us 0141 221 3181, thank you.