Scotland Covid rules explained: how many people can meet up, can I attend events, how long do I have to self-isolate for?

More changes to restrictions were announced by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon last week, which will see indoor events and hospitality return to some kind of normality.

Here is our guide to the latest Covid-19 restrictions in Scotland.

How long do I have to self-isolate for?

Anyone who tests positive for Covid-19 must self-isolate for 10 days, no matter if they have been vaccinated or not.

However, people in Scotland can now be advised if they can end self-isolation after seven days. For this to occur, the person must have no fever and have tested negative on a Lateral Flow Device on day 6, and then again 24 hours later.

Triple vaccinated close contacts of those who test positive, both household and non-household, or those under the age of 18 and four months, do not need to isolate as long as they return a negative LFD test result each day for seven consecutive days, and remain fever free.

Any close contact who is not fully vaccinated (three doses) will still have to self-isolate for the 10 days and take a PCR test.

Do I need to wear a mask?

Wearing masks help stop the spread of Covid-19. You must wear one in places such as shops, restaurants, bars, cafes and nightclubs, churches and other places of worship, on public transport (including stations) and at work. (including tradespeople working in someone’s home).

It is also advised that people wear masks in busy outdoor spaces.

You don’t have to wear a mask if you are aged under 12, you’ve got an illness or disability that means you can’t wear one, or wearing one would cause you severe distress.

There are situations when you can remove your mask, such as when you’re sat down at a restaurant or working out at the gym.

Can I attend an event?

Restrictions on outdoor events and indoor socialising and events have now eased.

Nightclubs can open and there’s no requirement for table service at indoor hospitality venues such as pubs.

There’s no limits on numbers for indoor events and the requirement for one metre physical distancing has also been dropped.

Can I meet up with people?

The advice to the public is still to limit contact with other households as much as possible.

The guidance is that when meeting people indoors, keep it to a maximum of three households. This is not enforced by law, however.

What are the rules on travel?

There are no travel restrictions within Scotland, although people are encouraged to get tested before using public transport.

If you are travelling abroad you’ll need to follow the rules for that country.

Can I go back to work?

The Scottish Government updated its advice on January 31, 2022, and it is now encouraging employers to consider implementing hybrid working - meaning employers split working between the office and home.

However, it does warn: “It is recognised that homeworking still remains one of the most effective protections against the virus and for maintaining business resilience.”

What are the rules on weddings, funerals and other life events?

There are no restrictions on numbers at these type of life events. People do have to wear face coverings throughout the ceremony - but this does not include the couple who are getting hitched or people walking down the aisle.

Where do I need to show my vaccine passport?

A vaccine passport - which must now show evidence of three shots, unless it has been less than four months since your second jab - is needed to access late night venues; live indoor events with over 500 unseated people in the audience; live outdoor events with over 4000 people in the audience; all events with over 10,000 people in the audience.

For outdoor events the Covid certification scheme is being tightened, with events of more than 1000 people required to check the status of at least half of attendees or at least 1000 people, whichever is higher.

From Monday the requirement to be “fully vaccinated” for this scheme will be increased to three doses for those whose second dose was more than four months ago.

This does not apply to people under the age of 18.

Alternatively, you can show a record of a negative test taken in the last 24 hours.