ROADMAPS OUT OF LOCKDOWN – THE LATEST UPDATES

As restrictions continue to ease, here is a summary of the most recent updates from the Scottish, Welsh and Jersey governments.

In addition, we summarise the recent changes in Northern Ireland.  At present, England, Guernsey and the Republic of Ireland are continuing with current measures.

Scotland – To Level 0 and Beyond

Scotland has announced a move to Beyond Level 0 from today, 9th August 2021.

The main changes are:

• The legal requirement for physical distancing and limits on gatherings will be removed and all venues across Scotland will be able to re-open.

• Capacity limits of 2000 people indoors and 5000 people outdoors will remain in place
• Adults identified as close contacts of someone who has tested positive for Covid-19 will no longer be automatically required to self-isolate for 10 days from 9 August 2021
• Anyone who is double-vaccinated with at least two weeks passed since their second dose and who has no symptoms will be able to end self-isolation if they return a negative PCR test. The same conditions will also apply to anyone aged between five and 17 years old, even if they have not been vaccinated. The requirement to take a PCR test will not apply to children under the age of five
• Contact tracing will continue. There will be a continued requirement for indoor hospitality and similar venues to collect the contact details of customers.  However, there will be a more targeted approach to pupils in schools with fewer being asked to self-isolate (exact details have yet to be published)
• It will continue to be the law, subject to exceptions, that face coverings must be worn in indoor public places and on public transport
• You should continue to work from home where practical

For more information, please visit Scotland to move beyond level 0 (link https://www.gov.scot/news/scotland-to-move-beyond-level-0/

 

Wales – Completing the move to level 0

Wales moved to Alert level 0 on 7^th August 2021.

In summary:

• Legal restrictions on the number of people who can meet indoors, including in private homes, public places or at events will be removed
• All businesses and premises will be able to open, including nightclubs
• People should still work from home wherever possible
• Face coverings will remain a legal requirement indoors, with the exception of hospitality premises. This will be kept under review
• Fully vaccinated adults, under 18s and vaccine trial participants will not need to self-isolate if they are a close contact of someone with coronavirus

For more information, please visit Wales moving to alert level 0 (link https://gov.wales/alert-level-0-guidance-employers-businesses-and-organisations-html

 

Northern Ireland

Following changes on 26th July 2021 it is now the case that:

• To determine the maximum number of people permitted to attend an indoor gathering, in a non-domestic setting, the organiser or operator must carry out a risk assessment. Indoor gatherings of 15 people or fewer do not need a risk assessment
• The organiser must also take all reasonable measures to limit the risk of transmission of the coronavirus.
• A person responsible for organising a gathering must, if requested to do so by a relevant person, provide a copy of the risk assessment and an account of the reasonable measures taken
• Many businesses can now re-open but you should continue to work from home where you can
• Face coverings remain mandatory

For more information, please visit Northern Ireland Regulations and Guidance (link https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/coronavirus-covid-19-regulations-and-guidance-what-they-mean-you

 

Jersey

The proposed move to Step 7 remains delayed but the self-isolation period for close contacts has been reduced from 14 to 10 days

 

Review your risk assessments for your workplace

As you make changes, it is important to review your risk assessments for your workplace.  If you would like advice on your how to carry out a review and how to implement changes, please get in touch using [email protected] or speak to your normal PIB Group contact.