People advised not to visit others indoors for fortnight after being away

PEOPLE who travel outside of Shetland for non-essential purposes should not meet with another household indoors for a fortnight on their arrival back home, according to updated government guidance.

The precautionary measure comes into effect from today (Friday) as limited indoor socialising returns in Shetland, Orkney and the Western Isles under level one restrictions.

The maximum number of people who can meet indoors is six, from up to two separate households.

The island councils are the only areas in Scotland where indoor household socialising is currently allowed.

Updated Scottish Government guidance says: “Anyone who has travelled outwith these island authorities for non-essential purposes in the preceding 14 days should limit their contact with other island residents and should not meet with another household in a private home for a 14 day period from the date of their arrival on the Orkney Islands, Shetland Islands or Na h-Eileanan Siar.”

Generally people in level one should minimise unnecessary journeys between areas in different levels, and avoid any unnecessary travel to places in level three or four areas.