SCOTLAND’S First Minister and deputy FM have expressed concerns over social distancing today as Covid-19 cases appear to be rising.
Speaking during her coronavirus briefing this afternoon, Nicola Sturgeon called on people to ensure they have not “dropped their guard” against the virus.
She warned people against creating “bridges” to allow the virus to cross between households.
On Saturday there were 21 new Covid-19 cases reported, the highest for several weeks, before 23 were confirmed on Sunday. Yesterday the new cases fell to seven – but have increased once again to 22 today.
READ MORE: Covid-19: Concern as cases rise in Lothian, Grampian and Glasgow
In the last 24 hours a further 10 people have also been admitted to intensive care units with suspected or confirmed cases of Covid-19 across Scotland.
This month has seen the biggest changes to Covid-19 rules yet, with beer gardens and outdoor dining allowed to reopen earlier in July. Last week pubs, bars, restaurants, hairdressers and more were given the go-ahead to open with new social distancing measures in place.
The First Minister has stressed these big phase three changes are some of the most dangerous, and highlighted hygiene and distancing is crucial to stop the further spread of the virus.
But how does social distancing work now life is getting busier? These are the key rules you should follow:
Where does physical distancing apply?
Physical distancing is still essential for everyone except children under 12, couples who don’t live together and people in the same household or extended household.
In the vast majority of cases you should stay at least two metres apart from people from other households at all times.
In hospitality settings however, the rule is to stay at least one metre away from people not in your household.
What is an extended household?
Anyone who lives on their own or only with children under 18 can form an “extended household group” with ONE other household.
Those in an extended household group can meet indoors without physical distancing.
Who can I meet indoors?
You can meet people from up to two other households indoors, in small numbers, at a time. No more than eight people should be present.
You should stay at least two metres apart from people from other households at all times – again the only exceptions to this rule are for children under 12, couples who don’t live together and people already in the same household or extended household.
You can stay overnight at someone else’s house as long as those distancing rules are followed.
During indoor meetings you should maintain hand and cough hygience, wash your hands before you arrive, when you leave, when you get home, before eating and after touching surfaces.
Rooms should be well ventilated during indoor meetings and you should not share food or utensils. Each household should bring, prepare and eat their own food.
Who can I meet outdoors?
You can meet with people from up to four other households outdoors, but no more than 15 people can be present at one time.
You should stay at least two metres apart from people from other households at all times - again the only exceptions to this rule are for children under 12, couples who don’t live together and people already in the same household or extended household.
You should avoid touching surfaces like gates, walls, fences, park benches with your hands. Take hand sanitiser with you and use it often. Bring your own food, places and cutlery if you’re eating together.
How else can I protect myself and others?
Maintain good hand and respiratory hygiene. Ensure you wear face coverings where it is mandatory to do so (ie shops and on public transport).
Wash your hands with soap and water as soon as you return home, get to work, when you blow your nose. Hands should be washed or at least 20 seconds.
Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and immediately throw the tissue in a bin before washing your hands. Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces in your home.
Travel by foot, bike or car rather than public transport if you can. If you must travel by public transport, avoid peak times.
Work from home where possible.
Self-isolate for 14 days if you show any coronavirus symptom – these are a new continuous cough, fever, or a less of or change in sense of small or taste
The full details on phase three social distancing rules are available on the NHS Inform website.
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