Chamber and committees

There are no plans to introduce a separate reporting system for people to report concerns about others breaking the quarantine rules. We expect people to abide by the rules that have been put in place in order to protect public health and, ultimately, save lives. This ‘self-policing’ approach has proved successful throughout our efforts against coronavirus and a large majority of the population appear to be complying with the quarantine arrangements.

If individuals have concerns that others are not self-isolating, they can contact the Police through the 101 number or via the contact form on Police Scotland’s website at https://www.scotland.police.uk/. Public Health Scotland are also conducting follow up calls and emails with those self-isolating, and refer any concerns they have to the Police.

Following the return of schools after a prolonged break, it is common for colds and similar viral infections to circulate. In many cases, children will be well enough to attend school and continue their learning with little or no interruption to their education. In other cases, for instance where they have quite a heavy cold with a runny nose, headache etc, they may need to take a day or two off to recover. There is no need to self-isolate for 14 days, no need for their household to isolate, and no need to get tested for COVID-19.

When a child or young person is absent from school due to ill health, there is a statutory duty for education authorities to ensure that they continue to receive educational provision whilst they are absent from school (if there absence is expected to last longer than 5 days). Guidance is available in relation to the education of children and young people unable to attend school due to ill health, which offers a reference source to education authorities. This guidance is on our website: https://www.gov.scot/publications/guidance-education-children-unable-attend-school-due-ill-health/pages/2/ .

Guidance on Children and young people or staff displaying Covid-19 symptoms is available on our website: https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-on-reopening-school-age-childcare-services/pages/infection-prevention-and-control/#illness

Guidance has been updated for the tourism and hospitality sector which sets out how premises covered by regulations can keep a record of customer and visitor contact details safely and securely, ensuring data protection principles are upheld. That guidance is available at:

https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-tourism-and-hospitality-sector-guidance/pages/collecting-customer-contact-details/

The section entitled ‘How to collect data’ outlines steps to take to utilise existing booking systems, implement digital solutions, or keep a paper record of visitor contact details.

In addition, the Scottish Government has published a template privacy notice alongside this guidance, setting out the terms of how data should be gathered, stored, used and disposed of. The privacy notice can be viewed online, downloaded and made available in each establishment.

The Scottish Government will aim to publish guidance for the soft play industry in advance of the indicative date for reopening of 14 September. We will involve the soft play industry and relevant stakeholders in developing this guidance.

Scottish Government guidance for the safe re-opening of performing arts was published on 21 August and is available at https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance
-for-the-performing-arts-and-venues-sector/pages/overview/.

Non-professional singers should only sing in groups outdoors, not indoors. Outdoor activities, including rehearsals and seated live events, have been allowed to re-commence from 24 August in accordance with physical distancing and hygiene guidance for events – available at https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-events-sector-guidance/ .

The remaining restrictions on groups’ indoor singing will be kept under review as the scientific evidence about the risks of virus transmission from singing is developed.

From 24 August 2020, organised full contact outdoor sport for all ages was permitted in Scotland.

We have discussed the resumption of this activity with the Scottish FA and the SPFL on a number of occasions.

This will – subject to Scottish FA guidance – allow teams at all levels to train and play. However, SPFL Premiership clubs – and some English clubs – have already been undertaking activity as they were subject to additional public health measures. We have no role in where any of these clubs choose to train.

If local restrictions are required in response to an outbreak of COVID-19 these will be implemented with regard to the nature and extent of the public health risk. The circumstances for each outbreak will be different and the response will be tailored accordingly.

Scottish Government recognises the impact these measures can have on communities and every decision is taken carefully with due consideration of the four harms set out in our COVID-19: Framework for Decision Making.

The recent local restrictions in Aberdeen allowed extended household arrangements to continue, individuals were also allowed to meet friends and family outdoors providing guidance on travel and physical distancing was followed.

The First Minister announced that driving lessons would resume on 24 August. Driving tests are the responsibility of the Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency. We understand that car driving tests will resume in mid-September, with priority given to those who have had tests cancelled.

Coach operators have been able to apply for financial assistance from a range of schemes including the 100% Retail Hospitality and Leisure rates relief & RHL grant support, and the small Business Grant Fund. Non-domestic rates relief also applies to eligible properties and a small number of coach companies have accessed funds from the Pivotal Enterprise Resilience Fund. We are aware of the challenges facing the coach sector and continue to engage with them to address their needs (most recently on 20 August). We are working closely with colleagues in the UK Government to secure additional support.

The use of changing rooms and showering facilities should be avoided where possible, although from the 31 August 2020 they may be made available for participants with disabilities or special needs or where required after an activity such as swimming.

Sports facility operators may open toilets for public use if they follow the guidelines outlined on the Scottish Government website Opening Public Toilets Guidelines .

For detailed facility guidance including a checklist that covers use of changing rooms, showers and toilets visit Scottish Government Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance on the opening of indoor and outdoor sport and leisure facilities .