Amidst a tighter lockdown in Scotland, First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon has further tightened the rules on entering private homes during lockdown in Scotland, but aside from this construction sites can continue so long as they can operate within the standard operating procedures for Scotland.

Last week First Minister Nicola Sturgeon did suggest that construction could be subject to tighter rules and was under review, pointing to the Irish decision to call a halt on construction works, but went on to applaud the industry for efforts made.  Whilst tighter restrictions announced today do not go as far as asking construction sites to stop, work in private homes is being restricted (by law) to essential “maintenance, upkeep and functioning”.

Other restrictions being brought in to force include:

  • Only shops selling essential items – such as clothing, footwear, baby equipment, homeware and books – will be allowed to offer click and collect.
  • Collections must be outdoors, with appointments staggered to avoid queuing.
  • Takeaways can no longer allow customers indoors, and must instead operate from a hatch or doorway.
  • A ban on the consumption of alcohol outdoors in all level four areas – which includes all of mainland Scotland and some islands – meaning takeaway pints will not be allowed.
  • Reducing the size of groups that can meet outdoors.

It was also announced that statutory guidance will be published for employers to support people working from home.

New rules that will come into force on Saturday, with further detail to be published over the coming days.

For all the latest COVID updates, visit the FIS COVID-19 Hub