Current lockdown restrictions – including the stay at home requirement – will remain in place until at least the end of February with limited exemptions relating to education.
From the week commencing 22nd February, the intention is to see a full time return of Early Years Childcare and of primary 1-3 students, with a part time return for senior pupils in specific circumstances to allow for in-school practical work necessary for national qualification courses.
Testing in educational settings will be significantly expanded to support this in the weeks ahead, with the intention being that those who work in schools or work in early learning and childcare settings attached to schools being offered ‘at-home’ testing twice a week.
In addition, the First Minister said work is ongoing with businesses with high transmission risks, such as food production and distribution, with a view to introducing routine testing for their workforces over the course of this month.
Following a four nation agreement that travellers from countries with a travel ban in place will be required to quarantine in hotels, the Scottish Government intends to introduce a managed quarantine requirement for anyone coming into Scotland regardless of the country they have come from.
More details will be set out as soon as possible and the First Minister confirmed plans to work with the UK Government to ensure the travel and aviation industry is supported.
The First Minister also confirmed the extension of eligibility of self-isolation payments to everyone on an income below the real living wage.
Business Support
If your business is required to close by law or to significantly change its operations due to COVID-19 restrictions, you may be eligible to apply for grant funding.
There is further information at https://findbusinesssupport.gov.scot/service/funding/strategic-framework-business-fund
Further Information
Link to today’s statement https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-update-first-ministers-statement-2-february-2021/