Monday 21 December 2020

Update on Coronavirus Restrictions From 26th December 2020

 

Following the announcement from the First Minister the following guidance will be in place for the Scottish Mainland and the Ise of Skye as they will be moving to Level 4. The Scottish Islands will move to Level 3

What does this mean for our members?

As of Saturday 26th December 2020 People living in Level 3 or Level 4 areas MUST NOT travel out of their local authority area, except for certain essential purposes. (to check your Level please use the following link https://www.gov.scot/check-local-covid-level/) Also , people living elsewhere in Scotland MUST NOT travel into Level 3 or Level 4 areas, except for essential purposes.

Travel between Scotland and the rest of the UK

To suppress the spread of COVID-19 it is essential that, with limited exceptions, there is no travel to or from areas where higher numbers of people may be carrying the virus.

On 20 November travel restrictions were put into law.

If people dont abide by the travel restrictions, there is a risk that the virus will spread to areas where it is less common and we may have to return to national restrictions.

People who live in a Level 3 or 4 local authority area in Scotland are now required to stay in that area unless they have a reasonable excuse to travel, such as work, education, or welfare reasons.

Travelling around Scotland

If you live or work anywhere where there are protective measures in place – at whatever level – you should not travel to another area to avoid them.

If you live in a Level 4 local authority area you must, by law, remain within that area unless you have a reasonable excuse (see exceptions) you should also keep journeys within the area to an absolute minimum if you have to travel for essential purposes, you should follow the guidance on travelling safely.

If you live in a Level 3 local authority area you must, by law, remain within that area unless you have a reasonable excuse (see exceptions) if you have to travel for essential purposes, you should follow the guidance on travelling safely

You can find out which parts of Scotland are in Levels 3 and 4 via the postcode checker  https://www.gov.scot/check-local-covid-level/

Travel between Scotland and the rest of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man

Under current Scottish law, given the state of the epidemic in those countries, unless you have a reasonable excuse (see exceptions) you must not travel between Scotland and:

England

Northern Ireland

Wales

County Donegal in the Republic of Ireland

Jersey

However, we continue to advise against all but essential travel at this time.

You should be aware that rules may apply in those places that may restrict your ability to enter or travel within each country, or which may require you to self-isolate for a period of time after your arrival or return from the UK. Please check any restrictions that may be in place in your destination before you travel. https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-on-travel-and-transport/

Recreational shooting activities including target shooting, game shooting, deer stalking and wildfowling would NOT be an essential purpose for travel.

Shooting related work such as beating and picking-up on shoot days; essential bird and mammal pest control to protect crops or livestock would be an essential purpose to travel.  Pest control activities would be as follows: Shooting or trapping of pest bird species under general licence, management of rodents and rabbits; deer management as part of a plan agreed with and requested by the landowner. Also game management or gamekeeping activities such as looking after game birds, habitat management and pest/predator control.

Members in Level 4 need to be aware of the following change.

As of Saturday 26th December 2020 shooting will No longer be exempt from socialising restrictions in Level 4 areas.  This means that shooting activities may only take place with up to a maximum of 6 people from no more than 2 households.

For Levels 3

In Level 3 multi-person shoots will be able to continue providing they follow the Covid-19 guidance framework for country sports https://countrysportscotland.com/framework-of-appropriate-covid-19-precautions-for-country-sports-updated-october-2020.

However, persons living in Level 3 areas will not be permitted to travel to other Level areas for any purpose other than essential purposes, which does not include organised shooting sports.

We will be updating this guidance as and when we get new information from the Scottish Government so please keep an eye on the website and social media site for updated information.

Should our members have any other queries or require a Risk Assessment Template please do not hesitate to contact the office and they will endeavour to assist you.