Question reference: S5W-34356
- Asked by: Neil Bibby, MSP for West Scotland, Scottish Labour
- Date lodged: 8 January 2021
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Current status: Answered by Jeane Freeman on 26 January 2021
Question
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the transmission rate of the COVID-19 variant, whether the number of people allowed in supermarkets at any one time will be reduced to allow for greater social distancing.
Answer
The Scottish Government continues to monitor the transmission of Covid-19, including in retail settings. In light of the transmission rate of the new variant of COVID-19 we have taken steps to strengthen our guidance on the operation of retail settings.
Under Regulations, supermarkets must take all reasonable measures to ensure that a distance of two metres is maintained between any persons on the premises, with the exception of those within the same household or a carer assisting another person. They must also take all reasonable measures to ensure that it only admits people to its premises in sufficiently small numbers to make it possible to maintain that distance. This includes those queueing awaiting entry to the premises.
We are aware that a number of supermarkets already base their footfall on 3-metre distancing and have introduced additional protective measures such as the use of Perspex screens to protect staff and customers.
We will continue to work with sector leads to protect workers and customers in retail settings as we monitor the transmission risks associated with the new variant of the virus and, if appropriate, will amend the guidance and Regulations currently in place.