As we ease out of lockdown, look towards getting back to work and how the economy can recover post COVID-19, the Scottish Government and partner organisations are publishing guidance on the steps we all need to take.
Published 02 December: COVID-19 vaccination programme to start next week Deliveries of the first coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine to Scotland are expected to be made early next week with injections being given from Tuesday 08 December.
Updated 21 November: COVID-19 local protection levels have been updated Find out the COVID-19 protection level for each local area and get information on what you can and cannot do at each level.
Published 20 November: The Scottish Government has published a series of maps showing boundaries for each of Scotland's 32 local authority areas to help people identify local protection levels and the areas they apply.
Published 20 November: Support for people on the shielding list There are now 5 protection levels across different areas of Scotland, with restrictions and advice for each level. Employers need to be aware of the guidance for employees who are shielding.
Updated 30 October: COVID-19 protection levels: Scotland's Strategic Framework has been published This document sets out the Scottish Government's strategic approach to suppress the virus to the lowest possible level and keep it there, while aiming for a return to a more normal life for as many people as possible.
19 October: Latest updates to Scotland's Phase 3 Route Map Rules on staying safe and protecting others to help suppress COVID-19. Updated on 19 October to reflect changes on face coverings in workplace canteens and other locations.
The Protect Scotland app from NHS Scotland’s Test and Protect is a free, mobile phone app designed to help us protect each other and reduce the spread of coronavirus.
The app will alert you if you have been in close contact with another app user who tests positive for coronavirus. And if you test positive, it can help in determining contacts that you may have otherwise missed while keeping your information private and anonymous.
Download the app to stay safe, protect others and save lives.
As we ease out of lockdown, according to the Scottish Government's route map (updated 01 October) many businesses have concerns of how they and their employers get back to work safely.
The UK and Scottish Government continue to publish updated guidance on the steps you need to take and what will help you resume business within the current limitations.
Updates are published on FindBusinessSupport.gov.scot daily so keep an eye on that site and if you sign-up for the email updates, you'll be notified of all available support and guidance as it's issued.
We've highlighted some of the key guidance below by Government and other partners which may help you manage your next steps.
COVID-19 guidance for festive period Between 23-27 December, you can form a “bubble” of up to three households. It is not possible to change your bubble once it has been formed. Travel restrictions will be relaxed to allow people to travel between local authority areas and the four nations of the UK to join their bubble.
COVID-19 guidance for the tourism and hospitality sector has been updated with changes made to the frequently asked questions page. These questions and answers are aimed at providing further clarity to businesses in this sector. (20 November)
Published 24 September 2020
Tens of thousands of jobs will be supported by the Scottish Government’s new £24 billion Draft Infrastructure Investment Plan (IIP).
Covering the five years from 2021-22 to 2025-26, the Plan will help stimulate Scotland’s green economic recovery from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Find out more on Gov.Scot
Published 24 September 2020
Rishi Sunak unveils government’s plan to protect jobs and support businesses over the coming months. The Chancellor announced a package of measures that will continue to protect jobs and help businesses through the uncertain months ahead as we continue to tackle the spread of the virus.
Read more on Gov.uk
Published 01 September 2020
The Scottish Government has published its Programme for Government setting out its actions for 'Protecting Scotland, Renewing Scotland'. Key actions set out in the programme include:
You can see the full Programme on the Scottish Government's website.
Published 22 June 2020
The independent Advisory Group on Economic Recovery has published its report: Towards a Robust, Resilient Wellbeing Economy for Scotland
The Advisory Group on Economic Recovery was set up in April 2020 by the Scottish Government to provide expert advise on supporting Scotland’s economy to recover from the impacts of COVID-19.
The report has 25 recommendations identifying interventions to support Scotland’s economic recovery and facilitate the transition towards a greener, fairer and more inclusive economy with wellbeing at its heart.
The remit of the group, set by the Economy Secretary, was that it should advise on the economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, including:
HIE Chair, Alistair Dodds commented on the report:
“It’s clear that the Highlands and Islands, and other rural areas, can play a central role in delivering Scotland’s economic recovery.
“Its emphasis on regionally-driven development, underpinned by effective co-ordination between public bodies, aligns completely with our direction of travel as an agency.
“Many of the recommendations also highlight the significant potential of our islands and the rural mainland, particularly when that is supported by investment in digital infrastructure including high-speed broadband and mobile technology.
“Sectors including tourism, food and drink, and creative industries that are particularly strong in the Highlands and Islands are highlighted as having national significance.
“The region’s potential to play a leading role in developing the green economy is another aspect that we are committed to developing.
“The report also clearly understands the vital role of the third sector and communities in delivering recovery, which is very encouraging.
“Highlands and Islands Enterprise is pleased to welcome this report and look forward to adopting its recommendations in our own forward planning and actions.”