Coronavirus (COVID-19): Advice for key workers
Key workers should be extra vigilant about new or developing coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms, including a new continuous cough and/or a fever/high temperature.
If you have developed symptoms in the last 7 days:
- stay at home for 7 days from the start of your symptoms even if you think your symptoms are mild
- follow our general coronavirus advice and guidance for households with possible coronavirus infection
Key workers in Scotland
For the purpose of testing, the Scottish Government has divided key workers into 5 priority groups:
- Priority Group 1A: Staff delivering NHS services, providing social care to protect and care for the most vulnerable, all NHS staff and independent contractors working for the NHS
- Priority Group 1B: Staff with face-to-face roles in residential institutions with people in the care of the state and those who are working essential services with niche roles, where service resilience is at risk
- Priority Group 2: Essential workers in critical national infrastructure fundamental for safety and security, and life-line services
- Priority Group 3: Staff directly involved in delivering other essential services
- Priority Group 4: Staff and volunteers in third or public sector organisations including unpaid carers, and staff in nationally or locally significant industry important to economic sustainability and growth
You can find a further breakdown of each group in the Scottish Government's coronavirus testing prioritisation matrix
Before returning to work
If you’ve had to stay at home you must contact your line manager or occupational health department before returning to work so they can do a risk assessment.
People required to be resident at work
You will need a risk assessment if you are required to be resident at your place of work, for example during night cover or on-call, and need advice about possible exposure in this setting.
Phone your line manager or occupational health department for advice. Your employer may be contacted by a local health protection team if they need further guidance.
Phone and Near Me video consulting
All GP practices and hospitals in Scotland have been asked to increase their use of remote consultations by phone or video. This will mean most people can receive the NHS care and advice they need from their own home to reduce the spread of coronavirus.
Phone will be the first choice, with a step up to:
- Near Me video consulting where it offers additional clinical benefit
- face-to-face consultations when needed
More about Near Me video consulting
Further information
- Coronavirus (COVID-19): General advice
- Coronavirus (COVID-19): Check your symptoms
- Coronavirus (COVID-19): Guidance for households with possible infection
- Coronavirus (COVID-19): Physical distancing
- Coronavirus (COVID-19): Shielding
On other websites
