Question reference: S5W-33721
- Asked by: Colin Smyth, MSP for South Scotland, Scottish Labour
- Date lodged: 10 December 2020
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Current status: Answered by Mairi Gougeon on 5 January 2021
Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether people providing assistance to someone with sight loss or a disabled person in order for them to be able to (a) exercise outside, such as with walking or tandem cycling, and (b) participate in organised sport are exempt from the COVID-19 rules on social distancing.
Answer
The Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions and Requirements) (Local Levels) (Scotland) Regulations 2020 provide that so far as reasonably practical, a person who is providing a service or carrying on a business must take measures to ensure the required distance is maintained by any persons on its premises.
However, where a disabled person requires assistance in order to take part in sport or physical activity, it may not be reasonably practical to ensure physical distancing is maintained. In addition, there are exemptions to these provisions for carers and the person assisted by that carer, whether that care is provided on a paid or voluntary basis.
Please see Scottish Government guidance for those who provide guide support: Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for those providing guide support - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)