Scotland to reopen housing market in phased plan

The Scottish government have released their phased plan for reopening of the economy and have included construction and the housing market: ‘Coronavirus (COVID-19): framework for decision making – Scotland’s route map through and out of the crisis’ >> Click here 

Phase 1: following the 28 May end-of-cycle review of the COVID-19 regulations, if the evidence supports that. In Phase 1, the virus would not be fully contained. There is a continued risk of overwhelming NHS capacity without significant restrictions remaining in place.

To progress to Phase 1, R must have been below 1 for at least 2 weeks and the number of infectious cases starting to decline. However there would have been sustained reductions in new infections, hospital admissions, ICU admissions, deaths (WHO Criterion 1). Test and Protect capacity will be ramped up, with staff being recruited and digital systems being designed.

During Phase 1 a number of changes to the rules would be made  potentially over more than one review cycle (after 28 May, the next review cycle concludes on 18 June). Some of these changes would be to guidance and some to regulations. In addition, a number of public services that had either been paused or scaled back because of the crisis would now be resumed or expanded. The rules set out in the previous (Lockdown) phase apply except as set out below.

Working or running a business: In this phase we are planning for remote working to remain the default position for those who can.

For those workplaces that are reopening, employers should encourage staggered start times and flexible working.

We are also planning for outdoor workplaces to resume with physical distancing measures in place once guidance is agreed.

We are also planning for the construction sector to implement the first two phases in its restart plan with a decision to move to ‘phase 2’ of the construction sector’s plan only after consulting with government to ensure it is safe to do so in line with public health advice.

We are preparing for the safe reopening of the housing market.

Phase 2: To progress to Phase 2, the virus must now be controlled, R must be consistently below 1 and the six WHO criteria described above must now be in place. Any signs of resurgence will be closely monitored as part of enhanced community surveillance but the risk of spreading the virus remains.

Working or running a business: In Phase 2, remote working should remain the default position for those who can. Indoor non-office based workplaces can resume, once relevant guidance has been agreed – including factories and warehouses, lab and research facilities with physical distancing.

We are planning for the construction industry to move to later phases of its sectoral restart plan.

We anticipate a relaxation of restrictions on housing moves.

Phase 3: will begin to feel closer to normal. The virus will have been suppressed and Test and Protect working across Scotland means we will understand where any additional local measures might be required. Many workplaces will already have adapted, with physical distancing the norm. Communities will be fully engaged and participating in the transition back to a more open life and economy.

Non-essential indoor office workplaces such as estate agency branches and contact centres will be allowed to re-open likely to begin on August 11^th.

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