The new normal

So this is the shape of things to come for the foreseeable future. As of Friday 10th July, it will be compulsory to wear face masks in Scotland within enclosed envirnoments such as shops, as it has already been for several weeks here on public transport. There is more on the guidance surrounding the wearing of face coverings at https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-phase-2-staying-safe-and-protecting-others/pages/face-coverings/.

When our archive sector re-opens, there will undoubtedly be strict measures put in place when visiting our favourite repositories. In England, the National Archives at Kew has already announced that it will be reopening on July 21st, with a booking system in place and with the following safety measures in place for site visits:

• One-way systems and capacity controls in frequently used areas
• Floor markers and temporary signage to help with social distancing (two metres)
• Rigorous cleaning during and at the end of each day, including in washrooms
• Easier access to sinks for hand washing and provision of hand sanitiser.

(For further details see https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/about/news/coronavirus-update/)

The National Archives in Ireland notes that as part of its re-opening measures, face coverings are advised also to be worn in the building (see www.nationalarchives.ie/visit-us/visitor-information-changes-onsite-access/). We'll undoubtedly have something similar in Scotland when our sector re-awakens from its enforced hibernation.

This is the new normal, and is likely to be with us for quite some time.
 
(Stay safe folks - for further information on Covid1-19, please see https://www.nhsinform.scot/coronavirus and https://www.gov.scot/coronavirus-covid-19/.)

Chris

My next 5 week Scotland 1750-1850: Beyond the Old Parish Registers course starts July 6th - see https://www.pharostutors.com/details.php?coursenumber=302. My next book, Tracing Your Scottish Family History on the Internet, at http://bit.ly/ChrisPaton-Scottish2 is now out, 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.