Question reference: S5W-29870
- Asked by: Dean Lockhart, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
- Date lodged: 12 June 2020
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Current status: Answered by Michael Matheson on 26 June 2020
Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will consider reducing the social distancing guidance from 2m to 1m in special circumstances in order to increase capacity on (a) ferries, (b) buses, (c) trains and (d) other transport networks.
Answer
The Scottish Government advice remains that everyone should ensure physical distancing of 2 metres when in contact with others from outside your household. This assessment is based on expert scientific advice provided by the independent Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) that the risk of transmission decreases with distance. Since the start of this crisis, we have consistently said that we will follow the science and we continue to do so. As the evidence changes then so must our policies which is why we have kept the 2 metre rule under review. The First Minister has asked the COVID-19 Advisory Group to consider whether there are particular settings and circumstances in which, with additional mitigations if necessary, it might be possible in future to recommend a distance of 1 metre or 1.5 metre. It is anticipated that a recommendation on this advice can be made by 2 July.
In some circumstances it may prove more challenging to maintain 2 metres physical distancing from other people, particularly in indoor settings such as on public transport. That is why on 22 June it was made mandatory in Scotland to wear a face covering on public transport, including on buses, ferries, trains and other transport networks such as Edinburgh Trams and the Glasgow Subway. Although wearing a face covering helps reduce the risk of transmission it is not a substitute for physical distancing.