The restrictions on access to outside visiting have been slightly eased for those care homes who are COVID free but face coverings and social distancing will still need to remain in place when families visit their loved ones.
This will be the first change in visiting rules since July 3, when it was announced one designated visitor would be allowed outdoors.
The Scottish cabinet secretary for health and sport, Jeane Freeman, announced on Friday (8 August) care homes will only be able to permit visiting if they have been COVID-free throughout the pandemic or if all affected residents have fully recovered and no residents have had symptoms for 28 days.
Aberdeen sees no change to visiting restrictions due to lockdown
Ms Freeman said: “This has been, and continues to be, a very challenging time for care home residents, their families and staff.
“Care homes are first and foremost people’s homes and we are committed to reintroducing measures that allow residents to connect with their family and friends. But this must be done safely and with precautions.
“It is important that we continue to monitor this situation and that all changes within care homes happen incrementally and with real caution to protect residents and staff.”
The guidance still states: ‘Outside face covering should be worn. All visitors should maintain a physical distance of two metres at all times where possible and use an alcohol-based gel to clean their hands prior to and after their visit.’
To read the latest Scottish government guidelines for outdoor visiting click here