Social/Physical Distancing

Physical/Social distancing

Last updated: 17th December 2020

Note: This section has been archived as of 13th September 2021.

Physical/Social distancing

Social/physical distancing - throughout this resource we use the phrase ‘social/physical distancing’, this is because the language is changing and many of our politicians, public services and media are increasingly using the term ‘physical distancing’. It’s okay to use the term ‘social distancing’, ‘physical distancing' or both. We also use the term ‘current recommended distance’ throughout this resource because the actual distance is subject to change as things improve. We will always keep this section up to date with the current recommended distance so try to remember to check it regularly. 

It is important to know that the underlying message about how far we should stay apart from each other is still the same: the current recommendation is to continue to stay a minimum of 2 metres apart from anyone who is not part of your immediate household. The rules for those under 12 years of age are different: children under 12 years do not need to maintain physical distance from others.  

Some businesses and services are no longer required to maintain 2 metre distancing if it’s impossible for them to operate at 2 metres. This is dependent on them having other safety and infection control measures in place, e.g. screens, facial coverings or adaptations to premises; examples are parts of the hospitality industry, hair, beauty and spa-type services.  The vast majority of  businesses, services and activities are required to maintain a distance of 2 metres from those who are from different households; this includes community-based services and activities.

At times you might be carrying out very specific, essential activities where it is not possible or practical to guarantee the minimum current social/physical distancing measures. In these circumstances we strongly recommend that youread the Scottish Government advice on facial coverings and the section in this website on key messages on delivering your support. Remember that facial coverings are NOT a substitute for complying with social distancing/physical measures.

At a base or premises

• Only allow people at your base or premises who are essential to the task in hand

• Stop all non-essential visits your service or group might normally make.

• Mark any work stations using tape or chalk to ensure a minimum distance of 2 metres is being kept between people

• Mark queuing spaces for hand wash locations using tape or  chalk to lower the risk of people queuing close to each other to use the facilities

• Manage movement around the base or premises e.g. a ‘one way’ or ‘keep left’ system and observe the current minimum distance rule - you will have seen this done in supermarkets

• Manage communal areas where people might gather such as entrances,exits and toilets by displaying signage about the need to comply with social/physical distancing and facial coverings, and marking out the current physical distance on floors and wall space using tape or chalk

• Try to organise a daily ‘team talk’ to reinforce the social/physical distancing and facial coverings measures that are in place and why it is so important to follow them. This is especially important if different volunteers are involved at different times. If the premises are open to the public make sure that anyone entering is aware of the regulations on wearing a facial covering. 

Walking

When carrying out any activity that requires walking to and from shops, premises or someone’s home you need to observe the current recommended social/physical distancing  rule at all times.  Follow any special instructions within shops and pay attention when passing people on pavements and walkways. If you are with other staff or volunteers you must make sure that you all observe these rules and walk a minimum of 2 metres apart from each other.

Travelling in a vehicle

If you are delivering items to someone’s home/ doorstep then you might need to travel in a vehicle. Current advice is NOT to travel in the same vehicle as people from out-with your household. If you are involved in an essential activity or delivering an emergency response that requires that you work in pairs e.g. delivering prescriptions you could check if the task is essential or if it can be deferred until later, or plan to travel back and forth in separate vehicles.

If there is no other option but to share a vehicle: 

• You must wear a facial covering.

• Have a maximum of two people in the vehicle e.g. the driver and one other person

• The passenger should sit as far as possible from the driver e.g. the rear passenger side seat

• Open a window to increase ventilation

• Use an alcohol based hand sanitizer when entering and exiting the vehicle.  You can learn how to use an alcohol based hand sanitizer effectively by watching this video: Hand Hygiene Alcohol Based Hand Rub Video 0.42 seconds

• Keep a record of who has travelled together, for compliance with Test and Protect measures

At someone’s home

If you are delivering or collecting items from someone’s home you need to observe the current recommended distancing rule at all times.  Different restrictions are in place in different parts of the country that set out who can and cannot enter someone’s home; you can check the latest restrictions here.  Regardless of the restrictions we strongly recommend that you do not enter someone’s home unless you are providing an essential service e.g. registered care providers etc.

You should:

• Call or message beforehand to let them know your estimated time of arrival wherever possible.

• When delivering items, place the items on the doorstep, knock the door and move back to the current recommended distance, wait until they have been taken inside before leaving.

• When collecting items, knock on the door and move back to the current recommended distance, wait until the items to be collected have been placed on the doorstep and the door has been closed before picking up and leaving.

• Use an alcohol based hand sanitizer immediately before and after touching any items that are being delivered to or collected from someone’s home. You can learn how to use an alcohol based hand sanitizer effectively by watching this video: Hand Hygiene Alcohol Based Hand Rub Video 0.42 seconds.

Even if you are concerned about the welfare of someone that you have visited you must not go into their home. The section on emergencies and more complex care will offer advice in what to do in this situation.

Remember: following social/physical distancing measures is critical to stopping the spread of coronavirus.

Links to important information in this section

• Hand Hygiene Alcohol Based Hand Rub Video 0.42 seconds