Current visiting restrictions on care homes will remain in place despite guidance on shielding for the most at-risk Scots being relaxed next week.

From the 1^st August shielding restrictions placed upon 180,000 Scots for almost four months due to covid-19 will finally be lifted.

The country’s chief medical officer Dr Gregor Smith is writing to all of those who have had the most severe limitations placed on them to say they can follow the same advice as the rest of the general public.

At the end of June – after almost 14 weeks of lockdown – care homes were allowed to start receiving one designated visitor per resident outdoors, so long as social distancing measures were observed.

However, these restrictions will remain despite the relaxation for shielding Scots.

Although “disappointing” news, Scottish Care chief executive Dr Donald Macaskill said the clinical group tasked with developing virus advice for the care sector with the Scottish Government was working hard to find a way forward.

Social work leaders told healthandcare.scot last month a public debate was needed on the impact of covid-19 restrictions in care homes on the lives of vulnerable residents.

A petition was also launched in May calling for visits to care homes to be resumed amid concerns a lack of contact with loved ones was causing severe mental distress for residents.

On the pausing of shielding, Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: “This will be a welcome and long-awaited announcement.

“Even though these changes will be welcome for some, I know many will also feel anxious and worried too.”

The Scottish Government has promised a range of guidance and information will be made available to those most at risk from the virus – including condition-specific advice – to try to allay any fears and enable people to make informed choices about the risks they face.

Mr Swinney added: “Those most at-risk will continue to receive support. I also expect employers to fully support those who are returning to work.

“We are keeping all the available evidence under review - and if there is a significant reason for a change in approach at a local or national level, we will adapt again, to keep those people most at risk in our society safe.”

From today and in advance of a full pause of the shielding advice, restrictions have been eased meaning the most high-risk Scots are now allowed to carry out activities such as meeting indoors with up to eight people from two households while physically distancing, and visiting indoor shops, hairdressers and pharmacies.

They can also go to pubs and restaurants with outdoor spaces and use public transport.

A covid forecasting service is being developed that will provide more vulnerable individuals with information about their local risk of exposure to the virus.

Questions about shielding support can be answered on the free national helpline number on 0800 111 4000. 

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