Scots who have COVID-19 symptoms or have tested positive are no longer asked to self-isolate or to take a PCR test under the Scottish government’s new guidance.
The Scottish branch of Britain’s National Health Service (NHS) was “taken out of emergency footing” at the end April 30 as COVID-19 cases continue to fall, the Scottish National Party (SNP)-led administration said in a statement.
Children and young people aged 18 and under with mild symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat, or slight cough, who are otherwise well, no longer need to stay at home and can continue to attend education settings, the new guidance said.
Those with CCP virus symptoms no longer need to take a PCR test, after mass testing and contact tracing ended on April 30.
But Scots who work in health or social care sectors, those visiting hospitals and care homes, will still be able to access COVID-19 testing.
The Scottish government’s health secretary Humza Yousaf hailed the “success” of the “Test and Protect” programme, but said the government recognises “we are now in a different phase of the pandemic.”
“The primary purpose of testing is changing from population-wide testing to reduce transmission, to a targeted response focused on reducing severe harm of the virus,” he said.
The government also said it will close down its vaccine passport app “shortly,” though users are encouraged to keep the app on their phones “in case it is needed again at a future date.”
Speaking during a campaign visit to Glasgow on April 29, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon emphasised that “it’s not the end of the pandemic” and urged people to “still be sensible about this virus.”
But she said: “If we’re all sensible and, of course, if we avoid new variants, then there is every reason now to be a lot more optimistic about the period that lies ahead.”
Linda Bauld, a public health expert, told the BBC on April 29 that Scotland is now treating the COVID-19 pandemic like any other virus.
“Essentially we are moving to a stage now where we are less worried about infection and what we’re focusing on is trying to find people who have the virus, who need support, or are supporting those who are most vulnerable,” said the Edinburgh University professor.
“We are kind of moving to a stage where we are treating this a bit like other viruses which I know not everyone agrees with, recognising that we’re at a different stage in the pandemic,” she added.
