Coronavirus (COVID-19)

New advice on shielding

There has been new guidance issued by the Scottish Government and the Chief Medical Officer on shielding following the recent rise in COVID-19 cases. The Chief Medical Officer has written to everyone on the shielding list during the week beginning 4 January 2021 to set out the new advice. It is understood that you are not being advised to stop going outside, which we know is good for mental and physical health. You should stay home as much as possible but you can still go out for exercise and essential shopping or medicines. It is advised that you should minimise contact with people outside your own household if you can and you should not take public transport.

If you cannot work from home as you are living in an area under current lockdown, you should not go to work and you should discuss this with your line manager and seek further advice from Human Resources if required. The letter you will receive from the Chief Medical Officer acts as a fit note for as long as lockdown restrictions are in place. This letter is called a shielding notification and can be shown to your line manager and Human Resources or Finance if required without the need for a GP fit note.

Shielding guidance for students

This guidance will also apply to students, especially postgraduates and PhD students who may be on campus for research purposes, and should be discussed with your department/supervisors.

There is further advice on the Scottish Government website for shielding which you are advised to read and check regularly for updates.