Scotland's new five-tiered system for tackling the Covid-19 pandemic comes into effect today.

Nicola Sturgeon has said that despite Prime Minister Boris Johnson's announcement of a four-week full-scale lockdown in England, the devolved administration "will take considered decisions based on what is right for Scotland".

The First Minister announced the strategic framework last week, with tiers ranging from 0 to 4 - with 0 being the lowest lockdown level - however this will still see some restrictions in place such as a maximum visitors into a household.

Grades have been given to local authority areas, rather than the current NHS health board restrictions currently in use.

These tier levels will be reviewed on a regular basis.

We have compiled a list of the key rules in every tier below.

Here's what you need to know:

The Herald:

Your area's tiers:

Aberdeen City - 2

Aberdeenshire - 2

Angus - 2

Argyll and Bute - 2

Clackmannanshire - 3

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar - 1

Dumfries and Galloway - 2

Dundee City - 3

East Ayrshire - 3

East Dunbartonshire - 3

East Lothian - 3

East Renfrewshire - 3

Edinburgh City - 3

Falkirk - 3

Fife - 2

Glasgow City - 3

Highland - 1

Inverclyde - 3

Midlothian - 3

Moray - 1

North Ayrshire - 3

North Lanarkshire - 3

Orkney Islands - 1

Perth and Kinross - 2

Renfrewshire - 3

Scottish Borders - 2

Shetland Islands - 1

South Ayrshire -3

South Lanarkshire - 3

Stirling - 3

West Dunbartonshire - 3

West Lothian - 3

What each tier means for you:

The Herald:

COVID-19 Protection Level: 0

Socialising

  • 8/3 indoors (in-home socialising permitted) i.e. max 8 people from 3 households
  • 15/5 outdoors
  • Children under the age of 12 from these households do not count towards the total number of people counted in a gathering.
  • Young people aged between 12 and 17 can meet up in groups of up to 15 at a time outdoors and are not subject to the 5 household limit. Physical distancing is required.

When you meet people from another household indoors you should:

  • Minimise the number of meetings you have with people from other households each day
  • Stay at least 2 metres apart from anyone who is not part of your household, unless in a public venue that is operating 1 metre distancing with additional measures being in place to avoid transmission.
  • Maintain hand and cough hygiene
  • Avoid touching hard surfaces with your hands
  • Wash your hands when you arrive, when you leave, when you get home and especially before eating or after touching surfaces
  • Not share food or utensils – if eating, each household should bring, prepare and eat its own food separately
  • If possible, keep rooms well ventilated – consider opening windows or a door

Hospitality (food and drink)

Hospitality (alcohol on sale outdoors)

  • Permitted – licensing times apply

Hospitality (alcohol on sale indoors)

  • Permitted – licensing times apply

Hospitality (food for consumption on premises)

  • Permitted

Takeaways

  • Take-aways can operate as normal, as long as food and drink is sold for consumption off the premises.  Face coverings and physical distancing rules must be followed.

Accommodation (hotels, B&Bs, self-catering, caravan and camp sites)

  • Open – socialising and hospitality rules apply

Travel 

  • No non-essential travel to/from level 3 or level 4 areas in Scotland.
  • Exemptions for essential travel for work, education, shopping, health etc; outdoor exercise; weddings and funerals; and transit through restricted areas
  • International quarantine regulations apply
  • Otherwise unrestricted

Transport

  • Active travel (walk, run, cycle, wheel) where possible
  • Avoid car sharing with people outside extended household wherever possible
  • Face coverings compulsory on public transport.

Shopping

  • Open

Close contact services (e.g. hairdressers, barbers, tailors and beauticians)

  • Open
  • Mobile close contact services are permitted

Public buildings – e.g. libraries

  • Open

Stadia and events

  • Outdoor events permitted
  • Indoor events – seated and ambulatory permitted (restricted numbers)
  • Indoor grouped standing not permitted
  • Stadia – open with restricted numbers

Worship

  • Open – indoor restricted numbers (50)
  • Outdoor worship restricted to 200

Life events (weddings, and civil partnerships, funerals) ceremonies and receptions/wakes

  • Weddings/civil partnerships – 50 person limit
  • Funerals – 50 person limit
  • Wakes and receptions permitted, subject to 50 person limit
  • Face coverings must be worn except for the bride and groom (or partners) and the person leading the ceremony during a wedding ceremony or civil partnership. 

Early learning and childcare (ELC)(formal childcare)

  • Open – with standard protective measures in place

Informal childcare

  • Permitted in line with household/numbers restrictions (see socialising)

Schools

  • Open – with standard protective measures in place

Universities and Colleges

  • Colleges and universities can operate using a mix of face to face and distance learning.

Driving lessons

  • Permitted

Sports and exercise

  • All permitted - safety measures in place.

Leisure and entertainment

  • Open with the exception of adult entertainment and nightclubs (unless permitted events).

Visitor attractions

  • Open

Public services (health following NHS remobilisation plan)

  • Open

Unregulated children's activities (incl. youth clubs, children's groups)

  • Permitted

Support services (mental health, counselling, day services, respite care)

  • Permitted

Offices, call centres and other workplaces

  • Working from home still advised
  • Open – working from home default where possible
  • Businesses which provide essential services can continue to operate, such as those in the Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) sector, courts and tribunals

Visiting hospitals

  • Essential visits
  • Two designated visitors observing physical distancing will apply

Shielding

This is advice, consider which level of protection is right for you.

All levels: We will not ask you to distance from people within your own homes or to stop taking outdoor exercise.

Level 0 shielding

  • Contact with others: Follow the level advice to the general population
  • Shopping: Strictly follow the guidelines when shopping
  • If you cannot work from home: Following a workplace risk assessment, your employer should make the necessary adjustments to your workplace to protect you. You can discuss getting a fit note with your GP or clinician if you still feel unsafe.
  • School/formal childcare: Follow the level advice to the general population

The Herald: Members of the public enjoy their first drink in a beer garden at the Hootenanny, Glasgow.Members of the public enjoy their first drink in a beer garden at the Hootenanny, Glasgow.

COVID-19 Protection Level: 1

Socialising

  • 6/2 indoors (at times, depending on circumstances, we may need to stop indoor socialising in Level 1 in an area) i.e. max 6 people from 2 households
  • 6/2 outdoors
  • Children under the age of 12 from these households do not count towards the total number of people counted in a gathering.
  • Young people aged between 12 and 17 can meet up in groups of up to 6 at a time outdoors and are not subject to the 2 household limit. Physical distancing is required.

When you meet people from another household indoors you should:

  • Minimise the number of meetings you have with people from other households each day
  • Stay at least 2 metres apart from anyone who is not part of your household, unless in a public venue that is operating 1 metre distancing with additional measures being in place to avoid transmission.
  • Maintain hand and cough hygiene
  • Avoid touching hard surfaces with your hands
  • Wash your hands when you arrive, when you leave, when you get home and especially before eating or after touching surfaces
  • Not share food or utensils – if eating, each household should bring, prepare and eat its own food separately
  • If possible, keep rooms well ventilated – consider opening windows or a door

Hospitality (food and drink)

Hospitality (alcohol on sale outdoors)

  • Permitted – last entry at 21:30 and closes at 22:30

Hospitality (alcohol on sale indoors)

  • Permitted – last entry at 21:30 and closes at 22:30

Hospitality (food for consumption on premises)

  • Permitted – last entry at 21:30 and closes at 22:30

Takeaways

  • Takeaways permitted for alcohol and food as per existing arrangements

Accommodation (hotels, B&Bs, self-catering, caravan and camp sites)

  • Open – socialising and hospitality rules apply

Travel 

  • No non-essential travel to/from level 3 or higher areas in Scotland and equivalents in rest of UK.
  • Exemptions for essential travel for work, education, shopping, health etc; outdoor exercise; weddings and funerals; and transit through restricted areas
  • International quarantine regulations apply
  • Otherwise unrestricted

Transport

  • Active travel (walk, run, cycle, wheel) where possible
  • Avoid car sharing with people outside extended household wherever possible
  • Face coverings compulsory on public transport

Shopping

  • Open

Close contact services (e.g. hairdressers, barbers, tailors and beauticians)

  • Open, but may be subject to additional protective measures
  • Mobile close contact services permitted

Public buildings – e.g. libraries

  • Open

Stadia and events

  • Outdoor events seated and open space permitted (restricted numbers)
  • Outdoor grouped standing events not permitted
  • Small seated indoor events permitted
  • Stadia – open with restricted numbers

Worship

  • Open – restricted numbers (50)
  • Outdoor worship restricted to 200

    Life events (weddings, and civil partnerships, funerals) ceremonies and receptions/wakes

    • Weddings/civil partnerships – 20 person limit
    • Funerals – 20 person limit
    • Wakes and receptions permitted, subject to 20 person limit
    • Face coverings must be worn except for the bride and groom (or partners) and the person leading the ceremony during a wedding ceremony or civil partnership.  

      Early learning and childcare (ELC)(formal childcare)

      • Open – with standard protective measures in place

      Informal childcare

      • Permitted in line with household/numbers restrictions

      Schools

      • Open – with standard protective measures in place

      Universities and Colleges

      • Colleges and universities can operate using a mix of face to face and distance learning.

      Driving lessons

      • Permitted

      Sports and exercise

      • All permitted except 18+ indoor contact sports (professional permitted)

      Leisure and entertainment

      • Open with the exception of adult entertainment and nightclubs (unless permitted events).

      Visitor attractions

      • Open

      Public services (health following NHS remobilisation plan)

      • Open

      Unregulated children's activities (incl. youth clubs, children's groups)

      • Permitted

      Support services (mental health, counselling, day services, respite care)

      • Permitted

      Offices, call centres and other workplaces

      • Essential only/working from home
      • Businesses which provide essential services can continue to operate, such as those in the Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) sector, courts and tribunals 

      Shielding

      This is advice, consider which level of protection is right for you.

      All levels: We will not ask you to distance from people within your own homes or to stop taking outdoor exercise.

      Level 1 shielding

      • Contact with others: follow the level advice to the general population
      • Shopping: strictly follow the guidelines when shopping
      • If you cannot work from home: Following a workplace risk assessment, your employer should make the necessary adjustments to your workplace to protect you. You can discuss getting a fit note with your GP or clinician if you still feel unsafe.
      • School/ formal childcare: follow the level advice to the general population 

The Herald:

COVID-19 Protection Level: 2

Socialising

  • No in-home socialising
  • 6/2 outdoors and in public places, e.g. hospitality settings i.e. max 6 people from 2 households
  • Children under the age of 12 from these households do not count towards the total number of people counted in a gathering.
  • Young people aged between 12 and 17 can meet up in groups of up to 6 at a time outdoors and are not subject to the 2 household limit. Physical distancing is required.

When you meet people from another household indoors you should:

  • Minimise the number of meetings you have with people from other households each day
  • Stay at least 2 metres apart from anyone who is not part of your household, unless in a public venue that is operating 1 metre distancing with additional measures being in place to avoid transmission.
  • Maintain hand and cough hygiene
  • Avoid touching hard surfaces with your hands
  • Wash your hands when you arrive, when you leave, when you get home and especially before eating or after touching surfaces
  • Not share food or utensils – if eating, each household should bring, prepare and eat its own food separately
  • If possible, keep rooms well ventilated – consider opening windows or a door

Hospitality (food and drink)

Hospitality (alcohol on sale outdoors)

  • Pemitted – last entry 19:00 and closes at 20:00

Hospitality (alcohol on sale indoors)

  • Alcohol only with main meal – last entry 19:00 and closes at 20:00

Hospitality (food for consumption on premises)

  • Permitted – last entry 19:00 and closes at 20:00

Takeaways

  • Takeaways permitted for alcohol and food as per existing arrangements

Accommodation (hotels, B&Bs, self-catering, caravan and camp sites)

  • Open – socialising and hospitality rules apply

Travel 

  • No non-essential travel to/from level 3 or higher areas in Scotland and equivalents in rest of UK
  • Exemptions for essential travel for work, education, shopping health etc; outdoor exercise; weddings and funerals; and transit through restricted areas
  • International quarantine regulations apply

Transport

  • Active travel (walk, run, cycle, wheel) where possible
  • Avoid car sharing with people outside extended household wherever possible
  • Face coverings compulsory on public transport.

Shopping

  • Open

Close contact services (e.g. hairdressers, barbers, tailors and beauticians)

  • Open, but may be subject to additional protective measures
  • Mobile close contact services not permitted

Public buildings – e.g. libraries

  • open (with protective measures)

Stadia and events

  • Events not permitted/closed
  • Drive in events permitted
  • Stadia closed to spectators

Worship

  • Open – restricted numbers (50)

Life events (weddings, and civil partnerships, funerals) ceremonies and receptions/wakes

  • Weddings/civil partnerships – 20 person limit
  • Funerals – 20 person limit
  • Wakes and receptions permitted, subject to 20 person limit
  • Face coverings must be worn except for the bride and groom (or partners) and the person leading the ceremony during a wedding ceremony or civil partnership. 

    Early learning and childcare (ELC)(formal childcare)

    • Open – with enhanced protective measures in place

    Informal childcare

    • Permitted. You should follow the rules for socialising.

    Schools

    • Open – with enhanced protective measures in place

    Universities and Colleges

    • Colleges and universities can operate using a mix of face to face and distance learning.

    Driving lessons

    • Permitted

    Sports and exercise

    • All permitted except 18+ indoor contact sports (professional permitted)

    Leisure and entertainment

    • Cinemas, amusement arcades open.
    • Following closed: soft play, funfairs, indoor bowling, theatres, snooker/pool halls, music venues, casinos, bingo halls, nightclubs and adult entertainment

    Visitor attractions

    • Open

    Public services (health following NHS remobilisation plan)

    • Open but reduced face-to-face services.

    Unregulated children's activities (incl. youth clubs, children's groups)

    • Permitted - differentiated restrictions apply

    Support services (mental health, counselling, day services, respite care)

    • Permitted

    Offices, call centres and otehr workplaces

    • Essential only/working from home 
    • Businesses which provide essential services can continue to operate, such as those in the Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) sector, courts and tribunals

    Shielding

    This is advice, consider which level of protection is right for you.

    All levels: We will not ask you to distance from people within your own homes or to stop taking outdoor exercise.

    Level 2 shielding

    • Contact with others: Reduce the number of people or households you have face to face contact with
    • Avoid: One metre zones
    • Shopping: Strictly follow the guidelines when shopping
    • If you cannot work from home: Following a workplace risk assessment, your employer should make the necessary adjustments to your workplace to protect you. You can discuss getting a fit note with your GP or clinician if you still feel unsafe.
    • School/ formal childcare: Follow the level advice to the general population

    The Herald:

    COVID-19 Protection Level: 3

    Socialising

    • No in-home socialising
    • 6/2 outdoors and in public places, e.g. hospitality settings i.e. max 6 people from 2 households
    • Children under the age of 12 from these households do not count towards the total number of people counted in a gathering.
    • Young people aged between 12 and 17 can meet up in groups of up to 6 at a time outdoors and are not subject to the 2 household limit. Physical distancing is required.

    ​​When you meet people from another household indoors you should:

    • Minimise the number of meetings you have with people from other households each day
    • Stay at least 2 metres apart from anyone who is not part of your household, unless in a public venue that is operating 1 metre distancing with additional measures being in place to avoid transmission.
    • Maintain hand and cough hygiene
    • Avoid touching hard surfaces with your hands
    • Wash your hands when you arrive, when you leave, when you get home and especially before eating or after touching surfaces
    • Not share food or utensils – if eating, each household should bring, prepare and eat its own food separately
    • If possible, keep rooms well ventilated – consider opening windows or a door

    Hospitality (food and drink)

    Hospitality (alcohol on sale outdoors)

    • Not permitted 

    Hospitality (alcohol on sale indoors)

    • Not permitted

    Hospitality (food for consumption on premises)

    • Permitted – last entrty 17:00 and closes at 18:00

    Takeaways

    • Takeaways permitted for alcohol and food as per existing arrangements

    Accommodation (hotels, B&Bs, self-catering, caravan and camp sites)

    • Open – socialising and hospitality rules apply
    • Tourists should not travel into, or out off, a Level 3 area for holidays or visits
    • Exceptions for essentials travel includes those who must travel for work, education, health or for those attending weddings or funerals which requires an overnight stay.

    Travel 

    • No non-essential travel into or out of the level 3 area
    • Exemptions for essential travel for work, education, shopping health etc; outdoor exercise; weddings and funerals; and transit through restricted areas
    • International quarantine regulations apply

    Transport

    • Active travel (walk, run, cycle, wheel) where possible
    • Avoid car sharing with people outside extended household wherever possible
    • Avoid non-essential use of public transport.
    • Face coverings compulsory

    Shopping

    • Open

    Close contact services (e.g. hairdressers, barbers, tailors and beauticians)

    • Open, but may be subject to additional protective measures
    • Mobile close contact service providers must not operate in level 3 with the exception of hairdressers and barbers.

    Public buildings – e.g. libraries

    • Open (with protective measures)

    Stadia and events

    • Stadia must be closed to spectators.
    • No live events are permitted.

    Worship

    • Open – restricted numbers (50)

    Life events (weddings, and civil partnerships, funerals) ceremonies and receptions/wakes

    • Weddings/civil partnerships – 20 person limit
    • Funerals – 20 person limit
    • Wakes and receptions permitted, subject to 20 person limit
    • Face coverings must be worn except for the bride and groom (or partners) and the person leading the ceremony during a wedding ceremony or civil partnership.  

      Early learning and childcare (ELC)(formal childcare)

      • Open – with enhanced protective measures in place

      Informal childcare

      • ​Informal childcare is permitted. You should follow the rules for socialising.  

        Schools

        • Open – with enhanced protective measures in place

        Universities and Colleges

        • Colleges and universities can operate using a more restricted mix of face to face and distance learning

        Driving lessons

        • Permitted

        Sports and exercise

        • All under 18s organised sports and activities are permitted, provided appropriate safety measures are followed.
        • Organised outdoor non-contact sports, personal training and coaching are permitted, provided appropriate safety measures are followed. Outdoor contact sports are not permitted, except for professional sport
        • Exercise is permitted indoors, abiding by the rules on meeting other households. No group exercise classes or sports (contact or non-contact) are permitted indoors.

        Leisure and entertainment

        • Closed

        Visitor attractions

        • All indoor and outdoor visitor attractions such as museums, galleries, educational and heritage attractions, zoos and aquariums can open providing there are physical distancing and hygiene measures in place
        • Visitor attractions with retail and hospitality facilities can open in level 3 in line with retail and hospitality guidance.

        Public services (health following NHS remobilisation plan)

        • Essential face-to-face services only (online where possible)

        Unregulated children's activities (incl. youth clubs, children's groups)

        • Permitted - differentiated restrictions apply

        Support services (mental health, counselling, day services, respite care)

        • Permitted/online where possible.

        Offices, call centres and other workplaces

        • Essential only/working from home 

        Shielding

        This is advice, consider which level of protection is right for you.

        All levels: We will not ask you to distance from people within your own homes or to stop taking outdoor exercise.

        Level 3 shielding

        • Contact with others: Limit meeting people outside your own household, avoid indoor public spaces.
        • Shopping: Strictly follow the guidelines when shopping and limiting the number of times you go to a shop. Shop at quieter times.
        • If you cannot work from home: Speak to your employer to ensure all appropriate protections are in place. If they are not, discuss getting a fit note with your GP or clinician.
        • School/ formal childcare: Parents or guardians should discuss with their GP or clinician whether children should still attend

The Herald:

COVID-19 Protection Level: 4

Socialising 

  • No in-home socialising
  • 6/2 outdoors and in public places i.e. max 6 people from 2 households
  • Children under the age of 12 from these households do not count towards the total number of people counted in a gathering.
  • Young people aged between 12 and 17 can meet up in groups of up to 6 at a time outdoors and are not subject to the 2 household limit. Physical distancing is required.

​​When you meet people from another household indoors you should:

Young people aged between 12 and 17 can meet up in groups of up to 6 at a time outdoors and are not subject to the 2 household limit. Physical distancing is required.

  • Minimise the number of meetings you have with people from other households each day
  • Stay at least 2 metres apart from anyone who is not part of your household, unless in a public venue that is operating 1 metre distancing with additional measures being in place to avoid transmission.
  • Maintain hand and cough hygiene
  • Avoid touching hard surfaces with your hands
  • Wash your hands when you arrive, when you leave, when you get home and especially before eating or after touching surfaces
  • Not share food or utensils – if eating, each household should bring, prepare and eat its own food separately
  • If possible, keep rooms well ventilated – consider opening windows or a door

Hospitality (food and drink)

Hospitality (alcohol on sale outdoors)

  • Closed

Hospitality (alcohol on sale indoors)

  • Closed

Hospitality (food for consumption on premises)

  • Closed
  • Hotels and other accommodation providers can still serve food to qualifying guests i.e. key or exempt workers, staying in their premises up to 22:00. Room service, including alcohol, is allowed as normal.

Takeaways

  • Takeaways permitted for alcohol and food as per existing arrangements

Accommodation (hotels, B&Bs, self-catering, caravan and camp sites)

  • All holiday accommodation is closed to tourism.  Hotels, B&Bs and self-catering can remain open for essential customers only:

Travel 

  • No non-essential travel into or out of the level 4 area. If necessary, limits on travel distance, or a requirement to stay at home
  • Exemptions for essential travel for work, education, shopping health etc; outdoor exercise; weddings and funerals; and transit through restricted areas
  • International quarantine regulations apply

Transport

  • Active travel (walk, run, cycle, wheel) where possible
  • Avoid car sharing with people outside extended household wherever possible
  • No use of public transport, except for essential purposes.
  • Face coverings compulsory

Shopping

  • Only essential retail
  • Click and collect, on-line services and outdoor retail, such as garden centres, outdoor markets and car lots, can also remain open.

Close contact services (e.g. hairdressers, barbers, tailors and beauticians)

  • Closed
  • Mobile close contact services not permitted

Public buildings – e.g. libraries

  • Closed

Stadia and events

  • Stadia must be closed to spectators.
  • No live events are permitted

Worship

  • Open with restricted numbers (20 people)

Life events (weddings, and civil partnerships, funerals) ceremonies and receptions/wakes

  • Weddings/civil partnerships – maximum 15 people
  • Funerals and wakes – 20 person limit
  • No receptions

Early learning and childcare (ELC)(formal childcare)

  • Early learning and childcare can remain open. Enhanced and targeted protective measures are in place.

Informal childcare

  • Informal childcare is only permitted for essential workers.
  • You should follow the rules for socialising.
  • Only children should enter the home of another household.

Schools

  • Open, with enhanced and targeted protective measures

Universities and Colleges

  • Colleges and universities can operate using a more restricted mix of face to face and distance learning.

Driving lessons

  • Not permitted

Sports and exercise

  • You are permitted to meet others outdoors, following the rules around meeting other households, for informal exercise or sport.
  • Indoor sports facilities are closed.
  • Outdoor gyms can remain open.
  • Outdoor non-contact sports are permitted for all age groups.

Leisure and entertainment

  • Closed

Visitor attractions

  • All indoor visitor attractions such as museums, galleries, heritage attractions, indoor areas of zoos and aquariums are closed
  • Outdoor visitor attractions, such as parks, gardens and the outdoor areas of zoos may remain open, to enable exercise and recreation to be undertaken with appropriate physical distancing in place, but should only be visited in line with travel restrictions.
  • Visitor attraction’s retail and hospitality facilities will be closed.

Public services (health following NHS remobilisation plan)

  • Essential face-to-face services only (online where possible)

Unregulated children's activities (incl. youth clubs, children's groups)

  • No activities are permitted with the exception of youth work where it is delivered as part of the school day/curriculum.

Support services (mental health, counselling, day services, respite care)

  • Essential only/online where possible

Offices, call centres and other workplaces

  • Essential only/working from home
  • Businesses which provide essential services can continue to operate, such as those in the Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) sector, courts and tribunals

Shielding

This is advice, consider which level of protection is right for you.

All levels: We will not ask you to distance from people within your own homes or to stop taking outdoor exercise.

Level 4 shielding

  • Minimise: Contact with people outside your own household if you can. You should not take public transport.
  • Shopping: Strictly follow the guidelines when shopping and limiting the number of times you go to a shop. Shop at quieter times.
  • If you cannot work from home: 

    The majority of workplaces can be made safe. If you have any concerns you should discuss these with your employer.

    However, at this level the Chief Medical Officer will issue a letter which is similar to a fit note and which will last for as long as your area is under Level 4 restrictions. This letter can be used in the few cases where it is not possible to make your workplace safe.

    Please note that this does not automatically mean you should not attend work. You should discuss this further with your employer, and if this results in adequate protection, you can continue to work.

  • School/formal childcare: Children on the shielding list should not attend in person.