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The self-isolation period has been discussed a lot in the last couple of days, with Deputy First Minister John Swinney hinting at a cut in Scotland from 10 to seven days, at the First Minister’s latest announcement tomorrow.
However, something that is not talked about a lot is the list of exceptional rules that means you would be allowed to leave isolation, and your home, before your 10 days are up, temporarily.
READ MORE – John Swinney hints at change to self-isolation rules in Scotland
So, when can you leave your home in Scotland for a period of time after contracting the virus, or having been a close contact of someone who has Covid?
What reasons are there for leaving self-isolation?
You can temporarily leave self-isolation to:
- post a PCR test or antibody test at a Royal Mail priority postbox
- get food or medicine if you cannot order it online or by phone, or you cannot ask someone to bring it to your home
- get urgent health services for you, your family and pets
- avoid harm, for example, if there is a fire or you are at risk of domestic abuse
- access services as a victim of crime, for example, if there has been a burglary
- help someone who is pregnant to go to a medical appointment, or to give birth
- go to the funeral of a close family member or friend
- meet legal duties such as going to court, taking part in court proceedings, or following bail conditions
- take part in NHS COVID-19 research, but only if you’re asked to leave self-isolation
You should take extra care to follow advice on how to avoid catching and spreading Covid while you have temporarily left self-isolation.
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This means that these following reasons are NOT government approved to leave your home:
- Walking a pet animal
- To exercise – exercise in your home or in your garden
- Work, school or other public responsibilities that are not essential
Earlier today, Edinburgh Live reported that Covid Recovery Minister John Swinney has confirmed that the First Minister will be holding an announcement in front of the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday, January 5, as she updates the public on the current virus situation.
At the moment, Scotland is the only country UK-wide that still has the ten-day self-isolation period in place, but this may change come tomorrow at 2pm.
The Scottish Government has come under fire from the Scottish Tories to cut the rules in order to ease the impending pressure on the National Health Service in Scotland.
Many NHS staff are off work with the virus, or have been a close contact to someone with Covid, which has increased the pressure on those still working in hospitals across the country.
While being interviewed on BBC’S Good Morning Scotland, the Deputy First Minister has noted that there may be a change to the rules for self-isolation.
Swinney said: “We’re actively considering the issue of reducing the self isolation period.
“The First Minister confirmed that to parliament in the virtual session on the 29th of December, and further details will be shared with parliament in its virtual session tomorrow.
“So yes, that issue is under consideration.”
