Two-metre distancing remains in place in healthcare settings

Physical distancing will remain in place at healthcare settings across Scotland, even though Covid-19 restrictions were lifted in other parts of society from the start of this week.

Hospitals, GP surgeries and dentists are among the locations that will continue to observe the current two-metre distancing requirement to help control the spread of the virus.

The Scottish Government says the measure will be reviewed as the NHS "remobilises safely" from the pandemic.

Health secretary Humza Yousaf said: "The safety of patients and healthcare staff is paramount.

“As we move beyond level zero, we must remember that the virus has not gone away and safeguards like distancing may be needed in some settings as we learn to live with Covid-19.

“Physical distancing in our health system will remain for now as we move safely out of lockdown.

"We will keep the situation under review and will publish a plan for the safe recovery of our NHS in the coming weeks."

Deputy chief nursing officer Anne Armstrong said: "Hospitals and other healthcare settings have developed new ways of working to meet the challenges of the pandemic, but there is still a risk of hospitalised cases and winter threats.

"Physical distancing will help protect staff and patients as part of the ongoing management of confirmed or suspected Covid cases."

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.