Update on Self-Isolation Rules Scotland

We’ve had a lot of clients asking us about the current self-isolation rules now that Scotland has moved beyond level 0.
Self-isolation rules changed from 9th of August, with fully vaccinated adults no longer having to isolate if they are identified as a close contact to someone who has tested positive with Covid-19. However, this comes with the following conditions: 

• The fully vaccinated person doesn’t show any symptoms of Coronavirus  
• Two weeks have passed since they received their second dose of the Vaccine  
• They have taken a PCR test and it has come back negative 

5- to 17-year-olds will also no longer have to self-isolate providing they follow the rules above. (Excluding the double vaccination rule)    

The Workplace 

There are exceptions to the current self-isolation rules for critical industries. If your business falls under these categories, you may have the authority to give employees the option to not self-isolate if they are a close contact due to the critical worker exemption scheme. Essential workers can also volunteer not to self-isolate if a risk assessment of their personal circumstances has been completed.  

Here is a list of Industries considered Critical:  

• Chemicals 
• Civil Nuclear 
• Communications 
• Defence 
• Emergency Services 
• Energy 
• Finance 
• Food 
• Government 
• Health 
• Space 
• Transport  
• Water 

The government have set out conditions that employees must follow before returning to work: 

• The fully vaccinated employee doesn’t show any symptoms of Coronavirus  
• Two weeks have passed since they received their second dose of the Vaccine  
• They have taken a PCR test and it has come back negative. They must also show evidence of this 
• Provide a vaccine certificate to prove they have received both vaccines. This can be requested from the NHS website 
• Take a lateral flow test for up to 10 days after being names a close contact. 
• Follow all infection control measures (hand washing, PPE, face masks) 

Despite the change in self-isolation rules, hospitality venues must continue to collect customers’ details.   

Testing Updates  

Businesses with more than 9 employees can now register for asymptomatic testing. Workplace testing will be available until the end of September 2021. Find out how to apply HERE

The Scottish government recently announced that they are working on a ‘Covid Status Certification’ app to make international travel a smoother process.   

Rules and regulations are changing regularly and we will make sure to keep you updated if anything changes. Contact us if you would like any further information on self-isolation rules.