Scotland introduces exemption for critical workers from self-isolation

The Scottish government has on Wednesday (15 December) introduced an option for essential workers to leave self-isolation and return to work in certain circumstances.

Businesses providing vital public services can apply for an exemption to allow essential workers to volunteer to leave self-isolation to allow vital services to continue.

Businesses must be able to demonstrate that staff shortages are in danger of putting essential functions and services at risk and staff must volunteer to not self-isolate following a risk assessment of their personal circumstances. The employers’ duty of care to all their employees must also be respected.

Only businesses classed as a Critical National Infrastructure – food is one of the 13 national infrastructure sectors – can apply for an exemption. They must be impacted by staff shortages as a direct result of self-isolation requirements; a critical service is at imminent risk due to the staff shortage; and has exhausted all other options to address pressures on operations

Under the process, before a staff member who is a close contact of a positive case can return to work, they must have had their second Covid-19 vaccination more than 14 days ago; a valid vaccination record; and evidence of a negative PCR test.

They should not be exhibiting any Covid-19 symptoms and are required to take daily lateral flow tests for up to 10 days after being exposed to the virus and fully comply with any PPE requirements, hand hygiene and other infection control measures

Staff who cannot reasonably isolate from on-going exposure to a COVID-19 positive household member will not usually be asked to return to work.

To request an exemption business and organisations should email [email protected] demonstrating:

• that your organisation is a Critical National Infrastructure, as defined by the Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure
• how self-isolation is impacting your critical functions and services
• what steps you have already taken to address this pressure
• the impact of no action
• the scope of the requested exemption – location, number of staff etc
• whether you are currently engaging with a local incident managemen team (IMT) regarding outbreak management

The government said the impact of these exemptions will be closely monitored, and considered at the next review point.

As per the updated rules on self-isolation for household contacts, one is advised to self-isolate for ten days – irrespective of vaccination status, PCR test result and age – if they are identified as a household contact of a positive Covid-19 case.