The First Minister has announced that we will move beyond level 0 from Monday 9 August
This is when all venues across Scotland will be able to re-open and the legal requirement for physical distancing and limits on gatherings will be removed.
However some protective measures will remain in place for the time being such as the use of face coverings indoors and the collection of contact details from Test and Protect.
There will also continue to be some capacity limits on the number of people allowed indoors (2k people) and outdoors (5k people) and applications must be made to appropriate authorities for numbers exceeding these figures. This situation will be reviewed on a three weekly basis to ensure they remain proportionate.
Self-isolation
In addition there will be significant changes to requirements around self-isolation.
Adults identified as close contacts of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 will no longer be required to automatically self-isolate if they have been double-vaccinated (with at least two weeks having passed since their second dose), have no symptoms and return a negative PCR test.
The same conditions will apply to anyone aged between 5-17 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.
While a new targeted approach will see only children and young people identified as higher risk close contacts (not whole classes) needing to self-isolate. Of those young people who need to self-isolate, most will be asked to do so for a much shorter time. To allow time to monitor the impacts of these changes, the majority of the mitigations that were in place in schools during the previous term will be retained for up to six weeks.
Keith Allan, Associate Director of P ublic Health
“Monday’s move to beyond level 0 is a milestone which we have all worked extremely hard towards. The people of the Borders have undoubtedly played their part as clearly shown by the latest figures of only 19 positive COVID-19 cases being reported over the past day.
“The lifting of the majority of restrictions should be cautiously enjoyed and celebrated. However it is important we understand that this virus is still a threat and will be present to greater or lesser degrees for some time to come.
“Common sense and tenacity are key to ensuring that we do not have to move backwards at a later date. Please follow the guidance which remains in place over the weekend and the limited restrictions, such as face coverings, that will still be required after Monday 9 in order to keep us all as safe as possible.
“As more options open up to us, I would encourage everyone to take up the universal twice weekly lateral flow device (LFD) testing offer through your local pharmacy, NHS Inform or our community testing programme. Regular rapid LFD tests are a helpful tool to find people who have COVID-19 but are not showing symptoms so that we can limit the spread of this virus within our communities.
“Remember it is crucial to self-isolate and seek a PCR test if you develop symptoms, receive a positive lateral flow test result or are asked to by Test and Protect.
“Importantly if you are eligible and haven’t already done so, come forward for your vaccine at one of our vaccination clinics. Likewise if you had your first dose eight weeks ago please don’t leave a job half done and come along for your second dose.”
Councillor Shona Haslam, our Leader
"I want to thank everyone in the Scottish Borders for abiding by all the various restrictions that have been in place. When we went into that first lockdown in March 2020 I don't think anyone anticipated that we would still be living such a different life a year and a half later.
"I want to once again recognise the efforts of our communities - including so many volunteers - as well as staff in the Council, NHS Borders, Live Borders and all the partner organisations who have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic.
"While I'm sure many of us will welcome the end of most of the restrictions it is important that we realise the virus has not simply disappeared and that some people will be feeling anxious about the situation.
"Borderers have acted superbly well throughout the pandemic to protect themselves and others, and I am confident that everyone will continue to be responsible by doing things like wearing face coverings where necessary, getting tested, isolating when asked, and of course getting both doses of the COVID-19 vaccination if they haven't already done so.
"In terms of schools; pupils and staff will still have to adhere to specific guidance for at least six weeks when they return from the summer holiday. We will contact parents and carers with a full update well in advance of the first day of term on 18 August."