Exercise rules for lockdown: latest advice on outdoor exercise in Scotland as Government eases restrictions

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced changes to the coronavirus lockdown rules in England

(Photo: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

The new set of rules, which start today (13 May), include the re-opening of garden centres, the right to exercise as much as you like outdoors and changes in rules around working.

However, the rules do not apply to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, which have the power to determine their own set of rules.

The other three nations have opted to ease fewer restrictions than the PM has across England.

In Scotland, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has stressed the "stay at home" message remains in place, with lockdown extended to 28 May.

Ms Sturgeon announced in her daily briefing on Thursday 7 May that the Scottish Government is extending the lockdown for another three weeks.

Social distancing guidance remains, and states that people should only leave their homes for essential reasons, including exercise and going to work.

How many times can I exercise outdoors?

There are no significant changes to lockdown rules, but the cap on daily exercise has now been scrapped to allow people to exercise outdoors more than once per day.

However, Scots have been warned to avoid meeting up in groups at parks or beaches, and to avoid sunbathing, picnics and barbecues.

When exercising outdoors, social distancing measures are still in place, so you should stay two meters away from other members of the public, maintain hand and cough hygiene and avoid touching hard surfaces such as walls, fences and park benches.

Attempting to exercise in crowded areas where these physical distancing measures would be hard to maintain is advised against.

How far can I travel?

Police Scotland advise staying local and make use of open spaces close to your home where possible to exercise, avoiding all unnecessary travel.

In terms of being able to travel to exercise, the Scottish government states: “Unnecessary travel should be avoided, so exercise should be done in your local area.

“You should not drive to beauty spots, parks or benches.”

There are some exceptions to this rule however, such as if you or a person in your care, has a specific health condition that requires you to leave the home and travel beyond your local area, then you are allow to do so.

This includes:

- People with learning disabilities or autism that require specific exercise in an open space

- If you have a disability and need to travel further to exercise safely, such as being in a wheelchair – you can travel to a location that has accessible parking and level access

The guidelines from the Scottish Government also state that high risk exercise “that may result in injury and require medical care or emergency services support” should be avoided as well.

How long can I exercise for?

The Scottish Government’s website does not currently outline any guidelines for the amount of time you are permitted to exercise for.

In other parts of the country, the general rule was that an hour of activity should be sufficient.

However, with the easing of the ‘once per day’ rule in Scotland, it would appear as if any imposed time limits on exercise have also been removed.