Covid-19 Guidance for Scotland - ‘Beyond Level 0’
Although restrictions are being eased, the Scottish Government will retain the option of putting in place local measures and travel restrictions to manage any future virus outbreaks, so you should remain alert to that and we will update this guidance as needed.
Scotland moved to ‘Beyond Level 0’ on 9 August 2021
While most of the legal restrictions for the sport and physical activity sector have been lifted, all businesses and workplaces should still follow the Scottish Government guidance on working safely during coronavirus, including conducting and regularly reviewing a risk assessment.
Some general precautionary measures remain in place, including:
Face coverings
Must still be worn in indoor fitness and leisure facilities, except while exercising.
Test and Protect
Everyone must continue to follow Test and Protect rules and guidance which means you must stay at home if you have symptoms or test positive for COVID-19, even if you have received two doses of the COVID-19 vaccination.
If an employee becomes unwell with COVID-19 symptoms at work, the person should return home as soon as possible.
People will no longer need to self-isolate for ten days as a close contact if they have received two doses of the COVID-19 vaccination under a UK Government programme (and 2 weeks have passed since receiving the second dose); or if they are under 18 and are asymptomatic and return a negative PCR test.
Workplace testing
Regular testing using lateral flow devices (LFDs), also known as rapid tests, helps to find positive cases in people who have no symptoms, but who are still infectious. Workplace testing aims to break chains of transmission and supports the operation of essential services.
Workplace testing in Scotland is open to all Scottish businesses with over 10 employees. This approach aims to support and protect Scottish businesses as they return to work, especially those with younger members of staff who may not be fully vaccinated and therefore more vulnerable to COVID-19.
Ventilation
A range of guidance has been developed to help businesses, employers and employees understand what good ventilation is which includes Scottish Government ventilation guidance.
Risk assessments
As an employer, you must protect people from harm. This includes doing a risk assessment, in consultation with your workforce, to decide what reasonable steps you need to take to protect your workers and others from COVID-19.
Occupancy and Social Distancing
While there are no longer any legal requirements for social distancing, CIMSPA recommends encouraging customers to keep their distance from each other wherever possible, especially those who have not been fully vaccinated or may be at higher risk.
The capacity limits for indoor facilities are no longer in place, but we would again recommend a sensible approach (based on a risk assessment) to prevent overcrowding and allow space for those who wish to maintain some degree of social distancing.
Cleaning and Hygiene
CIMSPA recommends maintaining the hygiene and cleaning regimes you have established during the pandemic, including: clean surfaces regularly (especially those that are being touched a lot), clean equipment between each use, provide hand sanitiser and encourage staff and customers to sanitise and wash their hands frequently.
If you are cleaning after a known or suspected case of COVID-19, follow the measures set out in the guidance for cleaning in non-healthcare settings.
Sportscotland has also updated its guidance for coaches, which you can find here. Some sports governing bodies may also continue to have their own specific guidance and recommendations, available here.