NATIONAL clinical director Jason Leitch has stressed three key rules people in Scotland must follow amid concern of misunderstandings around guidance.

Speaking at the Scottish Government daily briefing, Leitch identified the three areas that require stressing to the public.

The FACTS guidance applies at all times – this means:

  • Face coverings in enclosed spaces
  • Avoid crowded places
  • Clean your hands and surfaces regularly
  • Two-metre social distancing
  • Self-isolate and book a test if you develop coronavirus symptoms

However, there are additional crucial rules Leitch wanted to clarify.

These were how to safely wear a face covering, rules on self-isolation and quarantine, and physical distancing in hospitality venues.

  • How to wear a face covering

Leitch said it is clear some people don’t understand how to properly wear a face covering. He says people must wash their hands before putting on and after removing their face covering – this can be done with either sanitiser or soap and water. Masks must cover your nose and mouth. You should try “as much as possible” not to touch it when you have it on, but if you have to you can use sanitiser before and after touching.

  • Self-isolation and quarantine

Self-isolation: The national clinical director says if you have symptoms the “single most important thing you can do” is self-isolate and book a test. If you have children follow rules where possible; there is advice at parentclub.scot

Quarantining for travellers: Anyone, either a resident or visitor, must provide journey and contact details on arriving and must quarantine for 14 days when they are coming from a country on the quarantine list.

These measures apply irrespective of where you enter the UK. If you need more information nhsinform.scot/coronavirus

  • Physical distancing in hospitality premises

The Scottish Government is concerned these rules are “misunderstood”.

There’s an exemption in indoor hospitality premises to one metre, but you must stay in your own household group when you are out and must stay at least one-metre distanced from anyone you do not live with.

Here’s a general overview of phase three physical distancing rules:

  • Physical distancing is still essential for everyone except children under 12, couples who don’t live together and people in the same household or extended household. In the vast majority of cases you should stay at least two metres apart from people from other households at all times. In hospitality settings however, the rule is to stay at least one metre away from people not in your household.
     
  • Anyone who lives on their own or only with children under 18 can form an “extended household group” with ONE other household. Those in an extended household group can meet indoors without physical distancing.
     
  • INDOORS: You can meet people from up to two other households indoors, in small numbers, at a time. No more than eight people should be present. You should stay at least two metres apart from people from other households at all times – again the only exceptions to this rule are for children under 12, couples who don’t live together and people already in the same household or extended household. You can stay overnight at someone else’s house as long as those distancing rules are followed. During indoor meetings you should maintain hand and cough hygience, wash your hands before you arrive, when you leave, when you get home, before eating and after touching surfaces.
     
  • OUTDOORS: You can meet with people from up to four other households outdoors, but no more than 15 people can be present at one time. You should stay at least two metres apart from people from other households at all times - again the only exceptions to this rule are for children under 12, couples who don’t live together and people already in the same household or extended household. You should avoid touching surfaces like gates, walls, fences, park benches with your hands. Take hand sanitiser with you and use it often. Bring your own food, places and cutlery if you’re eating together.
     
  • HYGIENE: Maintain good hand and respiratory hygiene. Ensure you wear face coverings where it is mandatory to do so (ie shops and on public transport). Wash your hands with soap and water as soon as you return home, get to work, when you blow your nose. Hands should be washed or at least 20 seconds. Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and immediately throw the tissue in a bin before washing your hands. Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces in your home.