Restrictions to be eased for shielding group in Scotland

Coronavirus restrictions have been eased for some of the most vulnerable people in Scotland who’ve been shielding since the start of the outbreak.

The Health Secretary announced a number of measures will be relaxed this week for people who have pre-existing medical conditions.

Jeane Freeman said this includes the “extremely difficult” need to physically distance from other living in their own household.

The Scottish Government had initially asked around 120,000 people to shield until July 31, but changes will come into place from this Friday.

Speaking at the daily coronavirus briefing, Ms Freeman said the changes are possible now because the infection rate has fallen.

Addressing those who are shielding, she said: “As I know you understand, many of the recommendations for the general population are not yet right for you if you're shielding.

“We're changing our advice for you gradually. Most importantly because we want you to stay safe, but we also want you to feel comfortable as you come out of shielding.”

From Friday, those who are shielding will no longer require to physically distance themselves from those they live with - a rule Ms Freeman said had been “extremely difficult and painful” for many to follow.

People in single-parent households or who live on their own will also be able to form an extended household group in the same way as the rest of the population can, including being able to visit someone in their home or stay overnight without having to physically distance.

Ms Freeman said those who are in this category will also be able to book holiday accommodation or go to a second home, provided these do not have shared facilities with other households.

However, the Health Secretary “strongly advised” this is only done with people in the same household or as part of an extended household.

Children under 12 who live in a shielded household will be able to play outside with other children, as long as they are not also shielding.

Those who are shielding will be able to meet two other households outside, rather than one, as well as being able to go into another household to use the toilet.

Advice limiting outdoor meetings to eight people or under remains in place.

Further details on the easing of restrictions for the shielding group will be announced later in the month, with letters being sent out to individuals from Thursday.

Ms Freeman added: “I hope the changes that we have announced, and those that I hope will continue to come, will help to ease what I know has been an extraordinary burden that shielding has placed on you over the last few months.

“I can't say enough to express how grateful I am to you for following the advice.

“It's been stressful, I know at times it has felt frightening, and it has been very restrictive.

“Right now we can begin to ease these restrictions because of the falling infection rate.”

Hear all the latest news from across the North of Scotland on the hour, every hour, at MFR. Listen on FM, via our MFR app, on your DAB radio, online at MFR.co.uk, or say ‘Play MFR’ on your Smart Speaker.