COVID-19 Update

Following an update from the UK Chief Medical Officers, recommending the COVID-19 alert level be upgraded from 3 to 4 and a meeting of the four nations COBRA committee, the nations of the UK are each announcing new measures to fight COVID-19.

Boris Johnson outlined new measures for England in a statement to the House of Commons today (22.9.20), which can be read here. He warned that these changes, which include working from home (where possible), curfews on pubs and restaurants and further restrictions on indoors events, could stay in place for 6 months.

First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, has now outlined the changes that Scotland will make to it’s COVID-19 restrictions, aimed at avoiding another full lockdown. Measures will be reviewed again in 3 weeks.  Read in full here.

In summary:

• Everyone who can work from home, should work from home.
• Nationwide curfew for pubs, bars and restaurants of 10pm, from Friday 25th September.
• From 23rd September, visiting other households for social reasons will not be permitted.
• Outdoors meetings will still be permitted, in line with existing rule of 6.
• Teenagers (12-18 year olds) and under 12’s will still be allowed to meet up with their friends outdoors, in groups of up to 6.
• Two week circuit breaker option being reserved for October break and people advised not to book a holiday.
• Further changes possible to bring the “R” rate back down below 1.

You can read further details, including full links to updated guidance, in our Special COVID-19 update here: CECA Scotland COVID-19 Special 220920