Coronavirus - what it means for you
There are things you can do to avoid getting coronavirus and stop it spreading.
The Scottish government advises that you:
- wear a face mask in some public places - check the Scottish government guidance on face coverings
- take care when meeting others - by meeting outside or opening windows
- clean hands and surfaces regularly
- stay at home if you have Covid symptoms.
Find out more about when to stay at home and isolate if you feel unwell on NHS inform.
If you have less money because of coronavirus
If you have less money because of coronavirus, you might be able to:
- reduce your bills - check what to do if you can't pay your bills or are worried about being evicted.
- get emergency help with food or energy - you could apply for a crisis grant or get advice about foodbanks and other emergency help.
- increase your income - for example, you might be able to claim benefits. Check if you can increase your income.
The Scottish government has said employers should consider hybrid working - with workers spending some time in the office and some time at home.
Check our advice if you:
- were furloughed - more about the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
- are looking after children or someone else - check your options if you need to change how you work to care for someone
- are worried about working - check what to do if you’re worried about working
- are off work because you’re self-isolating - find out what benefits you can get if you're self-isolating.
If you’ve been self-isolating for more than 7 days, your employer might ask for proof you need to stay off work. You should get an isolation note on the NHS website. Your employer shouldn’t ask to see a note until you’ve been self-isolating for at least 7 days.
If you're self-employed and need financial support
You can find out more about:
- the UK government's Self-Employment Income Support Scheme - find out more about self-employed support
- UK government financial support for businesses on GOV.UK
-
Scottish government financial support and updates on the Find Business Support website.
You can also call the Scottish government helpline on 0300 303 0660, Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5.30pm.
If you're planning to travel abroad
The rules about travel depend on where you’re travelling from and where you're going.
If you travel abroad, you should check:
- if the country is allowing people from the UK to enter
- the Scottish government's guidance on international travel
- if your travel insurance covers medical and travel problems caused by coronavirus.
Travel insurance
If you travel to a country that the UK government considers high risk, your insurance policy might not be valid.
Travelling without valid travel insurance is a big risk. For example, you might have to pay all of your medical bills if you get ill or have an accident.
If you need to buy travel insurance or make a claim, check our advice about travel insurance.
If you've booked a holiday
Check what your travel agent, airline or accommodation provider says about your booking.
If your booking is cancelled because of coronavirus, contact the company you booked with. You have the right to a refund, or you can choose to rebook the holiday for another time.
You can find out more about getting a refund because of coronavirus.
You can also find out what to do if your package holiday is cancelled.
If you need more help, you can get advice from your local Citizens Advice Bureau.
If your visa is ending and you can't leave the UK
You need to follow the coronavirus visa guidance on GOV.UK. You'll need to give evidence of why you can't leave in time.
For example, you might not be able to leave the UK because:
- you have a medical condition that makes you extremely vulnerable to coronavirus - check if you’re extremely vulnerable on NHS inform
- the country you need to go to won't let you in because of coronavirus
- you can't arrange travel in time.