On 3 August 2021, the First Minister announced that all of Scotland will move beyond level 0 on 9 August, and advised on the continued use of protective measures.
The restrictions easing from 9 August 2021 which the funeral sector will wish to be aware of specifically are:
- The legal requirement for physical distancing restrictions will be removed. However, it is advised to keep a safe distance from other households.
- The limits on gatherings will also be removed. This means there will be no maximum cap on the number of attendees at funeral services or post-funeral gathering.
- Where possible, working from home continues to be advised
- Face coverings must still be worn in all the same indoor settings as is the case now, unless exempt.
- Adults identified as close contacts of someone who has tested positive for Covid-19 will no longer be automatically required to self-isolate for 10 days. Anyone who is double-vaccinated with at least two weeks passed since their second dose and who has no symptoms will be able to end self-isolation if they return a negative PCR test.
- Anyone who has symptoms of Covid-19, or tests positive for Covid-19, will still be required to self-isolate.
- Test & Protect will continue to contact-trace positive cases. Contact tracing remains an important measure in responding to the pandemic, and anyone who is required to self-isolate will, if eligible, continue to have access to support.
The Scottish Government’s guidance for funeral services, funeral directors and burial and cremation authority will be removed from Monday, 9 August. Further detail about the measures announced on 3 August will be published shortly.