The First Minister today outlined a four-phase route map to ease Scotland out of current lockdown measures, proposed to start on 28th May 2020.
Below we have detailed some of the key points your business needs to be aware of and urge you to consider how the proposed changes impact your resumption planning.
While it is unlikely many in our industry will return prior to Phase 3 it is important to note companies in our supply chain or client base who may need additional support earlier, the governments expectation of an increasing use of digital public services in phase four and the changes to child care and education going forward.
The Scottish Government still strongly recommends to continue home working for those who can from phases 1-3.
Phase 1 – 28th May 2020 (expected)
High risk the virus is not yet contained. Continued risk of overwhelming NHS capacity without some restrictions in place.
- Remote working remains the default position for those who can.
- Primary focus outdoor related activities and industries – garden centres will reopen, construction industry will begin phase 1 and 2 of return to work plan.
- Other industries that are expected to resume in phase 2, will be permitted in the first phase to prepare workplaces for the safe return of workers and customers.
- Consistent with the reopening of workplaces set out in this phase, where home working is not possible businesses and organisations are encouraged to manage travel demand through staggered start times and flexible working patterns.
- Default message remains – stay at home as much as possible
Phase 2
Virus is controlled but risk of spreading remains. Focus is on containing outbreaks.
- Remote working remains the default position for those who can.
- Non-essential indoor non-office-based workplaces resume once relevant guidance agreed – including factories & warehouses, lab & research facilities – to re-open with physical distancing.
- On campus university lab research restarted subject to physical distancing.
- Consistent with the reopening of workplaces set out in this phase, where home working is not possible businesses and organisations are encouraged to manage travel demand through staggered start times and flexible working patterns.
- Public transport operating increased services but capacity still significantly limited to allow for physical distancing. Travel at peak times discouraged as far as possible
Phase 3
Virus has been suppressed. Continued focus on containing sporadic outbreaks.
- Remote working remains the default position for those who can.
- Non-essential indoor office workplaces can open, once relevant guidance agreed, including contact centres with physical distancing.
- Children return to school under a
blended model of
part-time in-school teaching and part-time in-home learning. Public health
measures (including physical distancing) in place.
- Subject to the progress of the scientific evidence, schools are expected to open on this basis on 11 August
- Hairdressers, large retail, pubs, restaurants Museums, galleries, libraries, cinemas, gyms open with suitable measures in place
- Relaxation of restrictions on accommodation providers.
- Live events permitted with restricted numbers
- Public transport operating full services but capacity still significantly limited to allow for physical distancing. Travel at peak times discouraged as far as possible
- Universities and colleges phased return with blended model of remote learning and limited on campus learning where priority.
- Childcare providers reopen subject to public health measures
Phase 4
Virus remains suppressed to very low levels and is no longer considered a significant threat to public health.
- Remote and flexible working remains encouraged.
- All workplaces open with improved hygiene and in line with public health advice.
- Public transport operating full service.
- Physical distancing may remain in place.
- Schools and childcare provision, operating with any necessary precautions.
- College and university campuses open – including key student services with any necessary precautions.
- Public services operating fully, in line with public health advice, with modifications and changes to service design, including increasing use of digital services where appropriate.