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Latest Advice

Stay at home to stop Coronavirus spreading

The Scottish Government announced on Monday 23, March that everyone must stay at home to stop the spread of Coronavirus (COVID19). This includes people of all ages, even if you do not have symptoms or other health conditions.

You can only leave your home:

  • To shop for basic essentials – only when you really need to
  • To do one form of exercise a day – such as a run, walk or cycle, alone or with other people you live with
  • For any medical need – for example to visit a pharmacy or deliver essential supplies to a vulnerable person (whilst still ensuring social distancing)
  • To travel to and from work – but only where this is absolutely necessary

There is now an effective ban in place on gatherings in public places for groups of 2 or more people, this excludes household groups or in a work-related capacity. In agreement with Police Scotland, officers will be permitted to deploy enforcement of these measures.

People are advised to stay local for exercise and use open spaces near to your home avoiding any unnecessary travel, including driving.

In addition, all non-essential shops should be closed, as well as public spaces such as libraries, communal parks and playgrounds, and places of worship. The ban extends to ceremonial social events, such as weddings and christenings, with the exception of funerals which will be restricted to immediate family only. The First Minister was clear that these decisions are not taken lightly ‘but are essential for the protection of all of us’.

If you have symptoms of COVID-19

If you’ve developed a new continuous cough and/or a fever/high temperature in the last 7 days, stay at home for 7 days from the start of your symptoms even if you think your symptoms are mild. Do not go to your GP, pharmacy or hospital.

Phone 111 if your symptoms:

  • have not improved after 7 days
  • are severe or you have shortness of breath
  • worsen during home isolation

You should also phone 111 if you develop breathlessness or it worsens, especially if you:

  • are 70 years old or over
  • have underlying poor health
  • have heart or lung problems
  • have a weakened immune system, including cancer
  • have diabetes

If you have a medical emergency, phone 999 and tell them you have COVID-19 symptoms.

Other languages and formats

GOV.UK

UK Government have released translated guidance for self-isolation and social distancing into the following languages: Arabic, Bengali, Cantonese, French, Gujarati, Mandarin, Polish, Portuguese, Punjabi, Urdu and Welsh.

  1. Guidance for households with possible coronavirus infection
  2. Guidance on social distancing and for vulnerable people

British Deaf Association

Latest updates in BSL video format available at https://bda.org.uk/coronavirus/.

Coronavirus Information in alternative languages

Doctors of the World have also provided Corona Virus guidance in a variety of languages, and they will continue to update these:

Social Distancing

Voice over in the following languages: