People on the shielding list because they are most at-risk of covid-19 are being advised to take extra precautions when mainland Scotland enters a level four lockdown on Boxing Day.

Adults are being told to work from home if possible, while under-18s should not attend school or college.

Scotland interim Chief Medical Officer Dr Gregor Smith encouraged those on the list to “find a balance” between protecting themselves and maintaining quality of life.

It comes after Nicola Sturgeon announced a package of restrictions following the emergence of a new more infectious strain of covid-19 in south-east England and London.

Among them is a “strict” travel ban between England and Scotland. Meanwhile the planned relaxation of rules between the 23^rd and 27^th December has been cut to Christmas day only.

Additional advice for people shielding on top of rules for the general public has been published and Scotland’s interim CMO has written to everyone on the list to update them.

It says individuals should ‘minimise contact with people outside your own household’ and try to shop at quieter times.

The advice varies slightly from other areas of the UK. In England, extremely vulnerable people are advised to shield in tier 4 areas only, while the Welsh government is advising all people on the shielding list to stay at home.

Dr Smith said: “Additional support will be available for people who are most at risk during this period. Those who have support needs or difficulty accessing food or groceries should contact their local authority, or call the national helpline on 0800 111 4000.

“Everyone on the shielding list should work from home if they can. Those who cannot work from home should speak to their employers to ensure they have put the necessary protections in place to keep everyone safe.

“We also urge all employers to take their responsibility to protect their staff seriously and take decisive action to support all employees, including those at the highest risk.

“If people on the shielding list cannot be in the workplace safely, employers will have to accept the letter they will be receiving from the Chief Medical Officer as a shielding notification which can be used in the same way as a fit note in Level 4.”

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