Covid-19 Accommodation FAQs
Where can I find the latest Scottish Government guidance?
The Scottish Government's Coronavirus in Scotland pages have all the latest information on travel, testing and what you can and cannot do under prevailing restrictions.
What are my responsibilities - Covid sense?
All covid rules and restrictions have been lifted in Scotland, but the virus has not gone away.
Use 'Covid sense' to help protect yourself and others:
- get your vaccine when offered to ensure you are fully protected
- stay at home if you’re unwell with symptoms or have a fever
- open windows when socialising indoors
- wear a face covering in indoor public places and on public transport
- wash your hands to protect yourself
Care for yourself and others to help slow down the spread of the virus and reduce pressure on our health services.
What is the Distance Aware scheme?
D
istance Aware
Distance Aware badges and lanyards show others you need space
Distance Aware badges and lanyards are for anyone who prefers others to take extra care around them, for any reason.
You might be worried about mixing with others as we adapt to living with the virus, or you might just feel more comfortable when you have more room.
The Distance Aware scheme was first developed by the Bevan Commission for Wales. The Scottish Government has worked with the Commission to adopt the scheme and adapt it for Scotland.
Get a badge or lanyard
Free from libraries and Asda stores
You can pick up a free Distance Aware badge or lanyard from all libraries across Scotland including the University Library. Lanyards can also be collected from the Gatehouse at Garscube and the School Office in Dumfries. Free badges are also available in most Asda stores.
Order online
You can also order a badge or lanyard online. Find a list of charities to order from on the Bevan Commission Website.
Some of these charities charge a small fee for a badge or lanyard.
How do I get a vaccine or prove my vaccine status?
https://www.nhsinform.scot/covid-19-vaccine/
NHS Scotland Covid Status App
You can use this to prove you have been vaccinated against coronavirus.
Register with a GP
The only way the NHS can record your vaccination history is if you are registered with a GP. You can register after your first vaccination, but you must register before your second vaccination. The NHS cannot link your vaccination history if you do not register,. This may cause problems in the future if you want to travel or if restrictions are placed on accessing certain facilities without proof of being fully vaccinated.
International students
If you have received a first vaccine that isn’t available in the UK, but want to get a second vaccination here, the most similar alternative will be offered to you by NHS staff. Please bring any information about your first vaccination to your appointment.
If you received 2 vaccinations before arriving in the UK, you may be eligible for a third vaccination depending on the vaccine type [see Vaccine Interchangeability Guidance (Appendix 1)]
Students on an overseas placement when your second vaccination is due, should contact the health service in the country where you will be resident at the time.
Vaccination status
I am experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, what should I do?
Stay at home and avoid contact with other people if you have symptoms of a respiratory infection such as coronavirus and have a high temperature or do not feel well enough to go to work/study or carry out normal activities.
Do this until you no longer have a high temperature (if you had one) or until you feel better.
Work/study from home if you can.
Avoid close contact with anyone who is at higher risk, especially individuals with a weakened immune system.
If you've been asked to attend a medical or dental appointment in person, tell them about your symptoms.
You may wish to ask friends, family or neighbours to get food and other essentials for you.
You should tell people you have recently been in contact with that you're feeling unwell. This means they can be aware of signs or symptoms.
Find out more about COVID-19 testing on NHS Inform.
How do I arrange a test?
Most people in Scotland no longer need to test for coronavirus.
You can still access testing if:
- you work in the NHS health or social care settings
- you have a health condition which means you’re eligible for new coronavirus treatments
- you're going into hospital for surgery or a procedure
- you're visiting a hospital or care home
- you're an unpaid carer
- you're applying for the self-isolation support grant
An unpaid carer is someone providing face-to-face care to someone due to a disability, long-term health condition or old age
If you're a health and social care worker, you should access testing through your organisation.
If you're going into hospital, you should access testing through that service.
Anyone else who is eligible for testing can order tests online or by phoning 119.