Support for people affected by coronavirus (COVID-19)

Last updated: 31 December 2020

Find out what to do if you're affected by coronavirus in Scotland.

You can find daily updates about coronavirus on gov.scot.

Christmas guidance

Check the coronavirus guidance for over Christmas.

Protection levels

There are 5 protection levels across different areas of Scotland. You can check:

These measures aim to control the rise of coronavirus cases and help keep people safe.

Area changes starting Boxing Day at 1 minute past midnight

From 26 December 2020 (Boxing Day) all of mainland Scotland will move to Level 4 for 3 weeks.

Island communities will go into level 3 with strict restrictions on who can travel to and from them. This includes:

  • Orkney
  • Shetland
  • the Western Isles
  • other island communities

Find the guidance for Protection Level 4 and Protection Level 3 at gov.scot.

Schools and nurseries in January 2021

From 5 January 2021 to 15 January 2021, schools will only open to in-person learning for children of key workers and vulnerable children.

All other children and young people will:

  • not return to learning until 11 January
  • have remote learning from 11 January to 15 January.

Read more about school re-opening arrangements for January 2021 on gov.scot.

Coronavirus symptoms and self-isolating

Check NHS Inform if you:

  • have coronavirus symptoms
  • think you need a test
  • need health advice

You should stay at home if you have:

  • coronavirus symptoms
  • been exposed to the virus, live with someone who has symptoms or been exposed to it
  • been advised to self-isolate as part of Test and Protect or live with someone who has

Looking after yourself and others

Find out what support is available if you've been shielding during coronavirus.

Find information and guidance to help check the coronavirus risk in your workplace on gov.scot.

Find guidance on pregnancy and coronavirus from NHS inform.

Find an advocate. An advocate is someone who acts as an independent spokesperson for people who find it hard to speak up for themselves. This can include older people and people with:

  • autism
  • dementia
  • mental health conditions
  • learning disabilities
  • physical disabilities

An independent advocate can support you if you're dealing with care, housing or health services. They can help you:

  • say what you want
  • have a say in what's happening to you
  • get the information you need
  • stand up for your rights

You can phone 0800 111 4000 (textphone: 0800 111 4114) if you need help with things like:

  • food, if you're not able to get the day-to-day food you need
  • medication, if you're not able to pick up the prescriptions you need
  • access to local social work services
  • emotional support
  • contact with local volunteer groups

This can also include other things not on this list.

Opening hours

The helpline is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. It's free to phone.

Who the helpline is for

It's for people who need essential help and cannot get it from family, friends or local groups in your community.

How it works

When you call, you'll be put through to speak to someone at your local council. They'll be able tell you the kind of help you'll be able to get.

Find a list of organisations who can give you help and advice on the Ready Scotland website.

Find out about the extra Coronavirus Carer's Allowance Supplement.

Food, medicine and other supplies

If you cannot afford food, find out if you can get:

Helpline for local support

You can phone 0800 111 4000 (textphone: 0800 111 4114) if you need help with things like:

  • food, if you're not able to get the day-to-day food you need
  • medication, if you're not able to pick up the prescriptions you need
  • access to local social work services
  • emotional support
  • contact with local volunteer groups

This can also include other things not on this list.

Opening hours

The helpline is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. It's free to phone.

Who the helpline is for

It's for people who need essential help and cannot get it from family, friends or local groups in your community.

How it works

When you call, you'll be put through to speak to someone at your local council. They'll be able tell you the kind of help you'll be able to get.

Mental wellbeing

  • NHS Inform - Scotland's national health information service. Provides information on how to look after your mental wellbeing
  • Samaritans - phone: 116 123 (24 hours a day 365 days a year). Samaritans provides phone and email support for anyone who's feeling low, struggling to cope or at risk of suicide
  • Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH) - Scotland's national mental health charity. Provides information, links and resources about how to protect your mental health
  • Young Scot - Scotland's national youth information and citizenship charity for 11-26 year olds. Provides information and links about how to look after your mental health
  • see me Scotland - Scotland's national campaign to stop the stigma of mental ill health. Provides links to resources and support organisations
  • Breathing Space - phone: 0800 83 85 87 (Monday to Thursday, 6pm to 2am and Friday 6pm-Monday 6am), Breathing Space is a free, confidential, helpline for anyone in Scotland over the age of 16 experiencing low mood, depression or anxiety
  • if you're already receiving help from your GP, phone your GP or care team first - or if you're unable to talk to them, call 111

Domestic abuse and child protection

You can leave your home during coronavirus to escape or keep yourself safe from domestic abuse.

Get advice and support from Rape Crisis Scotland. Phone: 08088 01 03 02 (every day, 6pm to midnight).

Get more information about child protection from Police Scotland.

Housing, evictions and homelessness

Tenants

Landlords

Guidance about moving to and from your student accommodation.

Advice and support if you're homeless or worried about becoming homeless.

Work, unemployment and sick leave

Find information and guidance to help check the coronavirus risk in your workplace on gov.scot.

Find out if you can get help from the Scottish Welfare Fund.

Business advice and support

Information on new rates reliefs and grants to help owners of non-domestic properties, including businesses, during coronavirus.

Births, deaths and family

Registering a birth during coronavirus.

Children and schools

Find out how to support your child's learning during coronavirus on Parent Club.

Find out about free school meals - including during school holidays.

Find advice on sharing parenting with someone who lives in a different home on Parent Club.

You can continue informal childcare in the home. For example, grandparents can look after grandchildren.

Find more guidance on seeing friends and family on gov.scot.

Travel