In accordance with section 52 of and paragraph 13(1) of Part 3 of schedule 22 of the Coronavirus Act 2020, the Scottish Ministers declare that they are of the view that the incidence or transmission of COVID-19 constitutes a serious and imminent threat to public health in Scotland, and that the powers conferred by Part 3 of Schedule 22 of the Coronavirus Act 2020 will be an effective means of preventing, protecting against, delaying or otherwise controlling the incidence or transmission of the virus in Scotland.

Before making this declaration, the Scottish Ministers have consulted with the Chief Medical Officer of the Scottish Administration, as required by paragraph 13(4) of Part 3 of schedule 22.

In line with paragraph 14 of Part 3 of Schedule 22 of the Coronavirus Act 2020, the “public health response period” (for the purposes of Part 3 of Schedule 22) begins when this declaration is made.