The Scottish Government has updated the Strategic Framework which sets our Scotland’s approach to managing COVID-19. Scottish Ministers committed to withdrawing the bulk of the legally binding covid rules.
We would encourage you to check both the Scottish Government and Find Business Support websites regularly for the most up to date information regarding covid rules and grant funding.
We have highlighted some of the headline measures below, though would underline that business owners should check how particular rules apply to their sector.
1. Businesses will need to think about how they can continue to minimise risk.
Businesses should consider some of the potential adaptations below, taking account of their own risk assessments, which they should refresh regularly.
• Increased hygiene
- Ensuring hand sanitiser is available and encouraged to be used
- Ensure soap dispensers are in place and full in facilities
- Regular cleaning of surfaces, tables etc.
• Adjusting premises
- Improved ventilation
- Altering premises, including using outside spaces where possible
- Encouraging some distancing between customers and staff where possible
• Adjusting behaviours
- Increased levels of hybrid working
- Support staff to isolate when symptomatic
- Consider face coverings even when not mandatory
- Testing (when available and appropriate)
Face Coverings will no longer be a legal requirement from 21 March. However, government guidance may ask you to consider encouraging their use.
2. The vaccine passport scheme, which covers nightclubs and large events, will end on Monday 28 February.
However, the app will remain operational for any business which wants to keep using it.
3. You’ll still have to comply with Test and Protect (T&P). However, Test and Protect will be adapted. A detailed transition plan will be published in March setting out updated plans for Test and Protect for the endemic phase.
This means businesses currently collecting customer contact information must keep doing it. Also, people will still have to follow the instructions of the T&P team, such as getting tested and self-isolating if you’ve symptoms, or are identified as a close contact. It’s important to keep following the rules regarding testing and self-isolating, which were strengthened in December.
4. Small businesses still need to be prepared for future possible changes
By Spring 2022 the Scottish Government believe the threat of COVID-19 is expected to decline, transitioning to low threat. Nevertheless, the Scottish Government is prepared to respond to any increase in threat posed by the virus and adaptions will be taken. So please check official sources like Find Business Support regularly.