Healthcare settings to keep two metre social distancing
Physical distancing will remain in place in hospitals and surgeries from Monday.
Last updated 8th Aug 2021
Healthcare settings like doctors' surgeries, dentists and hospitals are going to keep the two metre social distancing rule after Scotland's coronavirus measures ease further on Monday.
The health secretary, Humza Yousaf, has confirmed the requirement will remain in place for now and be reviewed again in the future.
That is despite the rest of the country moving beyond level 0 as most restrictions are removed.
He said: "The safety of patients and healthcare staff is paramount.
"As we move beyond level 0, we must remember that the virus has not gone away and safeguards like distancing may be needed in some settings as we learn to live with Covid-19.
"Physical distancing in our health system will remain for now as we move safely out of lockdown.
"We will keep the situation under review and will publish a plan for the safe recovery of our NHS in the coming weeks."
Deputy Chief Nursing Officer Anne Armstrong added: "Hospitals and other healthcare settings have developed new ways of working to meet the challenges of the pandemic, but there is still a risk of hospitalised cases and winter threats.
"Physical distancing will help protect staff and patients as part of the ongoing management of confirmed or suspected Covid cases."
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