Now that the Scottish Goverment has published its four phase plan to slowly try to bring us back to a normal life again, from May 28th at the earliest, I have been looking at the detail to try to glean what might be ahead for us in terms of access to such repositories. Nothing will change immediately, and initially changes will only be introduced at a slow and gradual pace. The full report is available at https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-framework-decision-making-scotlands-route-map-through-out-crisis/.
It is not clear as yet when such places might be open, and it almost certainly won't be in Phase 1, but there are some possible references which may suggest clues as to when this might later become a reality.
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.
Gatherings and occasions: In Phase 2, we plan for registration offices to open for high priority tasks. Places of worship would be able to open for private prayer with physical distancing and hygiene safeguards. We are also planning to allow marriages, civil partnerships and other types of ceremonies to take place with a limited number of attendees.
This seems to suggest that some activity may be permissable at registration offices - but genealogical research is almost certainly not a 'high priority task'.
Phase 3
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 work places 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.
Working or running a business: In Phase 3 remote working remains the default position for those who can. Indoor office workplaces including contact centres can reopen, once relevant guidance has been agreed and with physical distancing.
Sport, culture and leisure: Museums, galleries, cinemas, and libraries can open, subject to physical distancing and hygiene measures.
I suspect the line that suggests that 'contact centres can re-open' is the clue as to when we may get a chance to get going again.
I have asked the NRS via Twitter if they can shed any light, but it may still to be too early to tell. If I do get a response, I'll update this post with it. If any other archives want to chip as to what their expectations are for their own repositories, it would be interesting to hear! In the meantime, don't forget that some access to Scotland's vital records is available via www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk.
Until the lockdown does begin to lift, please stay home and stay safe! And if you are experiencing any problems, please do consult the Crisis lines page on this blog, available by clicking on the link or from the top menu.
Chris
My next 5 week Scottish Research Online course starts June 8th - see www.pharostutors.com/details.php?coursenumber=102. My next book, Tracing Your Scottish Family History on the Internet, at http://bit.ly/ChrisPaton-Scottish2 is out shortly, also available are Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet (2nd ed) at http://bit.ly/ChrisPaton-Irish1 and Tracing Your Scottish Ancestry Through Church and State Records at http://bit.ly/ChrisPaton-Scotland1. Further news published daily on The Scottish GENES Facebook page, and on Twitter @genesblog.
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