On 4 October, posters appeared on the front window of Tesco on Leith Walk, exposing how Tesco sells industrial meat linked to forest destruction.
The same posters were placed on more than 30 Tesco stores across the UK earlier this month, from Falmouth to Aberdeen.
The posters were accompanied by a letter from Greenpeace UK Executive Director John Sauven, to make sure that the new Global CEO Ken Murphy gets the message that customers want Tesco to drop forest destroyers from their supply chains and reduce the amount of meat they sell by at least half – starting from phasing out industrial meat.
Anke Bremer from Tollcross said: “I found it impossible to simply walk past this heartbreaking image of the Amazon burning to clear land for the production of industrial meat. The message to Tesco’s new CEO Ken Murphy couldn’t be clearer. Tesco must drop forest destroyers altogether and stop selling industrial meat.”
This year, the fire season in the Amazon has kicked off with worrying intensity, with the highest number recorded in August since 2007. Many fires which are destroying the Amazon and other forests are started deliberately to clear land to graze cattle or grow soya.
Protecting the Amazon is essential in order to avoid catastrophic climate change, protect the homes of indigenous people and wildlife, and reduce the risk of future pandemics.
Tesco promised to end its part in deforestation for commodities such as soya by 2020, but in 2018 it quietly changed that goal to 2025 and still has not published a credible plan to show how this will be achieved.
Much of the chicken and pork on its shelves is fed on Brazilian soya, and produced by companies owned by JBS, the world’s biggest meat packing company, which has been repeatedly linked to deforestation in the Amazon, as well as human rights violations.
Tesco has recently made an announcement that it will increase its sales of plant-based food, which shows it is feeling the pressure – but this doesn’t go far enough.
In order to truly tackle its impact on forests, Tesco must reduce its overall meat and dairy footprint and stop doing business with companies owned by Amazon destroyers.
Natalie Louw continued: “The Amazon may be 5000 miles away, but the products in my local Tesco – the very meat we eat with friends and family – are fuelling rainforest destruction.
“This summer, I started cutting my meat consumption because I can’t in good conscience keep eating food that contributes to forest destruction and to the climate crisis.
“Please join me in eating less meat, and sign our petition to supermarket chains and fast food companies on cutting forest destroyers from their supply chains.’’
– Initial April discount for NHS Heroes has been extended indefinitely –
– The move is to thank hard working NHS staff as they continue to battle against the coronavirus during the winter months –
Morrisons is to extend the 10% discount that NHS heroes receive on their grocery shop.
The discount was first introduced in April and aims to support the 1.5 million NHS staff through the winter. It is a thank you from Morrisons.
With hospitals again dealing with an increased number of coronavirus cases, NHS staff are supporting the country through the next stage of the pandemic. Morrisons is therefore to extend the discount.
As well as receiving a discount in Morrisons stores, NHS workers are also able to make use of it while ordering a home delivery through Morrisons.com. They simply have to sign up for the Morrisons NHS Club to receive the discount.
David Potts, Morrisons Chief Executive said:“We want to continue to support all those in the National Health Service and show our appreciation for the fearless work they undertake daily. We hope alongside our other measures, shopping can be a little bit easier for our vital NHS staff.”
To benefit from the 10% discount staff need to present their NHS ID card in all Morrisons stores.
To make sure NHS staff can get hold of the groceries they need, Morrisons also offer an NHS hour at the beginning of every day from 6am-7am.
On Sundays, the majority of stores open at 9am for hard working NHS workers to shop.
A transformation has been afoot at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children this week.
Capital Theatres’ Learning and Participation Coordinator Cat Sheridan has been working with Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity’s (ECHC) arts team at the hospital to tempt those who can climb out of their beds to transform their space into one filled with their own stories and imagination.
A continuation of a brilliant established relationship between Capital Theatres and ECHC throughout 2020, Curtains Up is a brand-new project which brings a bit of old school overhead projector fun to bedsides, creating unique and playful scenes on the inside of hospital curtains.
The children created original drawings which have been projected and traced onto their hospital bed curtains, proudly displaying their art to their families and the rest of the ward. Curtains Up gives children autonomy over their environment while staying in hospital, creates a child centric environment and fosters creativity between families and staff.
Mackenzie and Cat Sheridan working together on Curtains Up
Cat Sheridan, Learning and Participation Coordinator at Capital Theatres, said: “We are hugely excited to be back working in partnership with Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity on this project.
“It has been a real treat for me to deliver on the wards, working with fantastic staff and being greeted by so many smiles. The joy is in seeing children and their families grow in confidence, take charge and have so much fun! Our aim is to encourage creativity and boost their sense of well-being. All through transforming something as simple as curtain with a bit of imagination.”
Fiona O’Sullivan, Deputy Director of Children’s Wellbeing, said: “The visits from Capital Theatres always prove hugely popular with children and young people in the hospital so we are very excited to welcome them back for the Curtains Up project.
“Decorating their hospital space is a fantastic and fun way for children to get creative and make their bedside environment feel a little less scary and more like their own home.
“We would like to say a huge thank you to Capital Theatres for getting involved with our vital arts programme as it’s projects like this one that enable ECHC to continue to transform the lives of children and young people in hospital.”
Lesley-Ann, play specialist, said: “It was such engaging activity for the older age groups to do. It’s something thing different and was so nice to see them engage with it so much. Nancy went away with big a smile on her face, she was totally loving it!”
Glasgow Queen Street has been named the nation’s favourite railway station in a public poll which recorded over 95,000 votes
48 stations from across the country competed head to head in the World Cup of Stations with the Scottish terminal receiving most votes
Queen Street beat Scottish rivals in the group stages before triumphing in the final over three English stations in a nail biting conclusion, pulling ahead in the final 15 minutes of voting
Rail staff at Glasgow Queen Street and at stations across the country have been playing a key role supporting Britain’s recovery from COVID-19
Glasgow Queen Street has been named Britain’s favourite station after winning the World Cup of Stations 2020.
Out of 2,579 stations across the country, Queen Street was shortlisted as one of 48 stations participating in the week-long online poll which recorded over 95,000 votes in total.
They saw off the competition in each day of public voting ,beating Scottish rivals Motherwell, Aberdeen and Wemyss Bay in the group stages and heavyweights Newcastle and Crewe in the semi-final.
Edinburgh Waverley was eliminated at the group stage.
Two of this year’s finalists once again thought the path to victory was courting the internet’s substantial cat vote with both Huddersfield and Stourbridge Junction putting their moggy mascots front and centre.
But in the end Glasgow Queen Street, coming fresh off a £120m redevelopment, proved too much for them and for London Kings Cross.
The 2020 final was a nail-biter coming right down to the wire with Queen Street eventually winning by 0.3% pulling ahead in the last 15 minutes of voting.
Maggie Hoey, Queen Street Station General Manager, said: “We’re absolutely delighted that Glasgow Queen Street has been crowned champion in this year’s World Cup of Stations.
“The recent redevelopment work has revitalised the station, delivering a contemporary building both internally and externally. It’s created a spacious and accessible transport facility that will be a positive and prominent addition to Glasgow’s historic George square for years to come.
“We owe a huge thanks to everyone who voted for us, and to our social media colleagues who really got behind the Rail Delivery Group’s campaign to drum up support.”
The competition highlighted the important role that the railway, stations and staff are playing keeping people connected and supporting communities and local businesses during the pandemic.
Robert Nisbet, Director of Nations and Regions for the Rail Delivery Group said: “For a while it looked like nothing was going to stop Stourbridge Junction and their mascot George the cat, but Glasgow Queen Street played the full 90 minutes and have come away with the silverware.
“It’s a fitting tribute to the newly redeveloped station and the friendly staff there who have kept key workers moving through the pandemic and continue to support the local community.”
Rail Minister Chris Heaton-Harris said:“I am immensely proud of the whole railway family, who have worked tirelessly throughout this pandemic to keep our railways running and passengers safe.
“My congratulations go to all the staff at Glasgow Queen Street for winning this year’s competition. They have played a key role supporting Britain’s recovery from Covid-19, ensuring that key workers and NHS staff can get to work, saving lives.”
October has been an incredibly tough month for the hospitality industry, facing another forced closure and further uncertainty surrounding jobs and moving forward.
Leith hirdresser Simon Hill of SESH Hairdressing wanted to do something to show support and gather momentum. The ‘Stick to the Shore’ initiative Simon has rolled out is designed to rally the locals of the shore in Leith and remind them to support one another during this time.
Simon and the team at SESH Hairdressing are offering local hospitality workers basedin the Shore, 25% off all hair services. This applies to appointments made with selected members of the SESH team. This initiative is in place until 20th November whilst the hospitality industry returns to work and finds their feet again.
SESH are running a social media initiative to encourage their followers to ‘Stick to the Shore’ too. When any SESH client supports a local shore bar or restaurant by purchasing a voucher or using their takeaway services, they will receive a complimentary hair treatment at SESH Hairdressing.
Small acts of kindness are crucial during this difficult time.
SESH Hairdressing and Simon Hill have always been passionate about their local area at the shore and this small gesture is their way of supporting the community.
Simon Hill commented: “It was important to us that we not only offer local hospitality workers some money off but also do our bit to ensure our audience supports them too.
“By sticking together and showing each other support we can all come out of this stronger. We hope everyone sticks to the shore and supports those who really need us just now.”
Defying gravity isn’t for everyone but six supporters of VOCAL have persevered through bad weather and COVID restrictions to complete their 10,000ft skydives.
The ‘Super Six’ all took on the challenge last year to raise funds and awareness of VOCAL – Voice of Carers Across Lothian: the charity supporting ununpaid carers looking after partners or family members with health and disability issues that require care in the home.
“I think when I signed up I was keen to raise some cash for VOCAL, but since COVID I have been doubly determined to ensure that the carers looking after the most vulnerable in our communities are recognised for their vital role during this crucial time,” said Julie Forster, who did her jump at the end of September describing it as “the craziest thing ever”.
Wendy Brooks, who works directly with carers at VOCAL said: “We had to postpone the jump throughout lockdown but rather than giving up we persevered.
“We knew the cause was so important and really wanted to complete this huge personal challenge. It was scary – but I am so glad to have done this!”
Emma Rogers also completed her jump as part of a suite of challenges in support of VOCAL: “It was so good to complete this challenge.
“I have abseiled from the Forth Bridge and climbed Ben Nevis, but this was the scariest but most amazing challenge yet. I am so thankful that my parents and grandad got to see me complete the jump.”
Also jumping were three members of the Pattinson family: sisters Emma and Katie with their father Jon.
“It was amazing to have this family skydive adventure” said Emma. “We were so supportive of each other and really kept each other going during lockdown until we got news that we could get together and make that leap. And we did it!”
The Super Six send thanks to the hundreds of sponsors who came on board to raise about £4,500 for VOCAL.
Julie added: “It was just hard that we couldn’t give each other huge hugs and get a great team photo together because of the coronavirus. But maybe the next Super Six will!”
VOCAL are now recruiting for the next set of adventurous supporters to show their recognition of the invaluable work done by the thousands of people who take on intensive and complex caring roles across Edinburgh and Midlothian.
Edinburgh Leisure, the city’s largest sports and leisure operator, has announced it will be reopening the rest of its well-loved Victorian pools. Warrender, Portobello, Dalry and Glenogle Swim Centres will reopen on Monday, 26 October.
June Peebles, CEO of Edinburgh Leisure said: “We’re delighted that we can finally reopen the rest of our beloved Victorian pools, which we know our customers and communities are so fond of. They’re unique buildings that we are justly proud to be the caretakers of.
“As you can imagine, bringing Edinburgh Leisure’s diverse range of venues and services ‘back to life’ in a COVID-19 environment is a big and complex task.
And the additional restrictions that the First Minister announced last week, which meant the stopping of group fitness classes and a number of group activities for adults (although working out individually in the gym and swimming can still happen), has posed further challenges. These restrictions will hopefully have been lifted by the time our third round of venues reopen on Monday, 26th October.”
To allow our venues to re-open, Edinburgh Leisure needs to comply with the Scottish Government and sportscotland’s extensive guidance – which ensures venues are safe for customers and employees.
Initially it will be the Victorian pools (lane swimming, club swimming and Family Swim sessions), the fitness classes at three of the four venues and the gyms at Portobello and Glenogle that will be reopening.
Unfortunately, the gyms at Warrender and Dalry will remain closed, due to no ventilation systems installed and not complying with the new minimum requirements (as detailed by the Scottish Government).
Other services that will continue to remain closed are the Turkish Baths, steam room, rest area and Aerotone – the forerunner to the modern jacuzzi – at Portobello Swim Centre; the fitness class programme, free weights room (although this will be housed in the fitness studio) and sauna and steam room at Glenogle; and the sauna at Dalry.
June Peebles explained: “As a charity and operating as a not-for-profit organisation, we need to balance the books and weigh up the viability of reopening various services in a COVID-19 compliant way. Our number one goal is to provide our customers with a clean, safe, and enjoyable Edinburgh Leisure experience.”
The reopening of these four Victorian pools follows on from the reopening of seven other Edinburgh Leisure venues, which opened on 14 September and 21 September. These include Ainslie Park Leisure Centre, Craiglockhart Leisure and Tennis Centre, Drumbrae Leisure Centre, The Royal Commonwealth Pool, Leith Victoria Swim Centre, Gracemount Leisure Centre, and the EICA: Ratho.
Edinburgh Leisure’s six golf courses have been open since 4 June, and there has been a big upturn in demand for tee times. The outdoor tennis courts at the Meadows have also been open since the end of May.
The Edinburgh Leisure experience will be different from before but customers will still receive the warm, Edinburgh Leisure welcome.
The main changes that customers will see are:
All activities must be pre booked via the Edinburgh Leisure app or website.
They will be operating in a cashless environment, accepting contactless payments.
Safety guidance will be on display throughout the venues.
Additional sanitisation stations have been installed throughout the venues for use before and after each visit.
All activities are timetabled with staggered session start times to reduce congestion.
It will be necessary for customers to wear face coverings in communal areas, (unless exempt) but not for their activities.
Edinburgh Leisure, like every leisure trust in Scotland, is facing huge financial challenges. They continue to lobby the Government for financial support for the sector to ensure the sector survives and can continue to contribute to the country’s health and wellbeing.
Edinburgh Leisure is joining an industry wide initiative led by ukactive. The #FitTogether campaign aims to ensure a united front on behalf of the wider sector, which utilises key statistics that evidence the extremely low rates of COVID-19 transmission across the sector and demonstrates the vital role of the sector in the nation’s health and wellbeing.
The purpose of the campaign is to message that the sector is safe and essential and to influence customers and policy makers accordingly.
June Peebles, CEO of Edinburgh Leisure said: “Edinburgh Leisure is committed to ‘building back better’ to a sustainable Edinburgh Leisure and to continue making a positive impact to the citizens of Edinburgh’s health and wellbeing – as we have done for the last 22 years.
“Never before has health and wellbeing been so important. And Edinburgh Leisure remain committed to supporting the people of Edinburgh to be active and enjoy good health.”
Edinburgh Leisure is a charity dedicated to creating opportunities for everyone to lead more active, healthy lives. They do this by running over 30+ sports and leisure facilities across the city and deliver their Active Communities programme, which helps improve the lives of people affected by health conditions, poverty, inequalities, and disabilities.
The public will have the chance to view and shape the details of an exciting new residential development at Orchard Brae on Queensferry Road, in the heart of Edinburgh’s city centre.
Undertaken by real estate investor Palm Capital together with Edinburgh-based 7N Architects, the plans propose to bring a mix of apartments and townhouses to the area.
A Proposal of Application Notice (PAN) was submitted to The City of Edinburgh Council last month, highlighting the intent of the developer to lodge a planning application this year.
The proposals incorporate a mix of 62 apartments and townhouses with associated landscaping, parking and infrastructure on land surrounding Orchard Brae House.
The plans incorporate 20 percent family housing and 25 percent affordable housing, complying with the City of Edinburgh Council policy.
The proposals for this sustainable residential development aim to enhance and maintain the existing trees and landscape as well as converting 30 percent of the current car park surface into green roofs and gardens.
If approved, the proposals would also bring new residential streets and active frontages to Orchard Brae with private gardens whilst retaining the woodland fringe to Queensferry Road.
Palm Capital has now organised a digital community consultation to take place on Wednesday 21st October to provide residents with further information on the emerging proposals.
Through this consultation process, the developer is seeking input and ideas on the proposed scheme from the public, which will assist in informing the basis of the developer’s future planning applications.
With the temporary suspension of public events for major planning applications by the Scottish Government due to COVID-19, these have moved online to a dedicated website highlighting the proposals.
The website, which can be accessed at www.orchardbrae.scot, will go live on Wednesday 21st October, and a digital consultation event will take place on the same day from 3pm to 8pm. Consultants will be available to answer any questions and receive feedback through a two-way chat system during these hours. Feedback can also be submitted via the website.
Any representations or suggestions for changes to the proposals shared during the online event will be included in a Pre-Application Consultation report to accompany future applications.
Hard copies of consultation boards and feedback forms, or further information, can be obtained by phoning 0131 202 3259 or in writing to: Orbit Communications, 4 Queen Street, Edinburgh EH2 1JE or by emailing: hello@orchardbrae.scot
The deadline for submitting feedback will be Friday 6 November.
Commenting on the proposed consultation event, Gabriel Rudert from Palm Capital said: “Providing the local community with the opportunity to help shape our proposals for this exciting new residential development at the heart of Edinburgh’s city centre is important to us.
“During the event, all residents will have the opportunity to enquire further about the proposals and give their feedback, which will be thoroughly considered when shaping the eventual planning application.
“We would urge all those that can to participate in this consultation process and have their views heard.”
CRIMESTOPPERS have launched their annual campaign aiming to tackle firework misuse and deliberate fire-setting, and to encourage people to contact them 100% anonymously if they know or suspect someone is involved.
The campaign is supported by the Scottish Government’s Building Safer Communities team.
Firework misuse can have a massive impact on communities in Scotland, with some local areas experiencing ongoing and sustained anti-social behaviour and risk to life linked to fireworks.
In some communities people may be afraid to engage with those responsible for anti-social behaviour for fear of being targeted, which is why our anonymous service is so valuable.
The Crimestoppers campaign omplements two national Scottish Government campaigns, and provides extra support for areas in Edinburgh, Glasgow and West Lothian which have experienced higher levels of firework misuse. These communities have been involved in the preparation of the campaign.
National Manager for Crimestoppers in Scotland Angela Parker explained: “With no public displays this year, some communities could be at increased risk of serious firework misuse and deliberate fire-setting.
“Firework misuse puts people, property and pets at risk, so we have worked closely with a range of partners to devise a campaign that will enable local people to fully understand the law around misuse of fireworks, and the penalties.
“Last year, our charity in Scotland received 63 pieces of information that helped prevent attacks, fire-setting and serious misuse, so we know, together we can make Bonfire Night safer for everyone.”
Ash Denham MSP, Minister for Community Safety, said: “The Scottish Government’s ambition is for all of Scotland’s communities to be safe places for everyone to live, work and enjoy. We all have a part to play in making that vision a reality.
“Misuse of fireworks can be hugely damaging and distressing and will not be tolerated. I would encourage anyone who witnesses or has information about criminality relating to fireworks to report it so that action can be taken to prevent further harm to our communities.
“Crimestoppers’ unique reporting service allows people to provide information about crime entirely anonymously. By using this service people can help to prevent, detect and solve crime within their local community.”
The campaign is also complemented by a youth programme, Fearless.org, raising awareness among 11-18-year-olds about the risks, and encouraging anonymous reporting about planned attacks and deliberate fire-raising.
https://youtu.be/oK6J6-CpfhI
Underage sales of fireworks
We are also encouraging people to let us know about anyone who’s selling fireworks to underage people.
In Scotland, it is illegal to sell outdoor fireworks to anyone who is younger than 18 years old. And it is illegal to sell indoor fireworks (such as sparklers) to anyone who is younger than 16 years old.
Other contact numbers
In an emergency: contact Police or Fire on 999 Non-emergency: Police Scotland 101 Underage sales:Scotland Trading Standards Office (and for unsafe or unlicenced storage by shops and dangerous fireworks)
If you know or suspect who is misusing fireworks or causing deliberate fires in your area, or selling them illegally, you can contact Crimestoppers 100% anonymously.
Your computer’s IP addresses are never traced and no-one will ever know you contacted us. For telephone calls, we have have no caller line display, no 1471 facility and have never traced a call.
Statement given by the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon at a media briefing in St Andrew’s House, yesterday (Friday 16 October):
Good afternoon, and thanks for joining us. I will start with the usual run-through of today’s COVID statistics.
The total number of positive cases reported yesterday was 1,196. That is 16.9% of people newly-tested, and the total number of cases now stands at 45,232.
416 of the cases were in Greater Glasgow & Clyde, 309 in Lanarkshire, 161 in Lothian and 104 in Ayrshire & Arran. The remaining cases were spread across 9 other health board areas. Only Shetland today has no reported cases.
I can also confirm that 629 people are currently in hospital, that is an increase of 27 since yesterday. And 58 people are in intensive care, that is 6 more than yesterday.
I’m also very sad to report that in the past 24 hours, 9 additional deaths were registered of patients who had first tested positive over the previous 28-day period. That means that the total number of deaths under the daily measurement is now 2,594.
Again, I want to send my deepest condolences to all those who have lost a loved-one to this virus at any point during this pandemic, but obviously of course, in particular to those who have more recently been bereaved.
There are a few items I want to briefly cover today before the Chief Medical Officer and I take questions from the media.
As I often do on a Friday, I will shortly give an update on the quarantine requirements for international travel. I will then say a word about the opening of two new walk-through testing sites. And finally, I want to say something about this weekend. Before that, though, let me start by saying a special word about schools.
Obviously many schools will soon be returning from the October break while others are just now preparing to start the half-term.
I wanted to take this opportunity today to say a very big and a very heartfelt thank-you – to teachers, to other school staff, to pupils and to parents across the country.
I know that you have faced many challenges over the past few months. I also know that, because of the restrictions, the October break will not be all that you might have hoped that it would be.
But we must not lose sight of what you have achieved during this first half term.
It is down to your efforts and your ability to adapt in extremely difficult circumstances that schools have been able to return.
As a result, the vast majority of pupils are now able to have the classroom, and the wider school experience that was lost back in the Spring. And I don’t think we should underestimate that it is a real achievement that young people have been able to have that normal schooling experience for the last number of weeks that they lost out on for much of this year.
So that, I think, is something important, and something positive in this difficult period for all of us to mark and reflect on.
Now, I know there will be further challenges ahead; I think that is almost inevitable.
And I don’t want to stand here today and give any sense that I am under-estimating how difficult it will have been so far, not least for teachers.
However, I just wanted to put on record my thanks to all of you for the really important work that you’ve done and, so that you know, that in spite of all of the difficulties it is hugely appreciated, and it is very important for, not just the wellbeing of our children and young people now, but I think, for their future prospects as well.
So thank-you to everybody for that.
This is how the restrictions help stop the spread of coronavirus ⬇
Remember, don't meet people from other households inside their home or yours. Only meet one other household in public places (max. 6 people).
Let me now turn to my first update of today. That concerns the list of countries that are subject to quarantine requirements.
We announced last night that Italy, San Marino and the Vatican City state will now be added to the list of countries with quarantine requirements.
That means that, from 4 am on Sunday, people travelling to Scotland from these places must self-isolate for 14 days on their arrival or return here.
We’ve also announced that Greece and all of the Greek islands, apart from Mykonos, will now be removed from the list.
So from Sunday people arriving from Greece, or a Greek island other than Mykonos will no longer have to self-isolate.
However, if you have arrived from these places in the past two weeks – or if you arrive later today or tomorrow – you will still be required to self-isolate for 14 days.
These changes are just an example of how quickly levels of the virus in any country or area – here at home and of course overseas – can change.
That is nature of an accelerating global pandemic. And that, of course, underlines why we are continuing to advise all of you against any non-essential travel overseas right now.
That’s not an easy or a welcome thing to be doing, I know, but it is a reflection of the uncertainty and volatility that all of us continue to live through.
My second update for today is about the opening of two additional walk-through testing centres.
One of those sites opened in Dundee city centre today. Another will open in Sighthill in Edinburgh tomorrow (Saturday).
These add to the seven walk-through centres already open – two in Glasgow, one already in Edinburgh, and one each in Aberdeen, St Andrews, West Dunbartonshire and Stirling.
A number of others are due to open in the coming weeks.
Many of these centres are within walking distance of student campuses – deliberately so – and so are particularly useful for our student populations. But it is important to note that they are open to all members of the public and you can book a test by going onto the NHS Inform website should you experience any of the COVID symptoms.
There are of course a few points that I would ask everybody to remember if you experience symptoms and book a test.
Firstly, please don’t use public transport to travel to any testing centre.
If you don’t have a car and if you’re not able to walk or perhaps cycle to a testing centre, please book a home testing kit through NHS Inform.
In addition, you should start to self-isolate from the moment you start feeling the symptoms of COVID.
You shouldn’t wait to get a test or to get your test result back before you start self-isolating.
That means staying at home with the sole exception of, if you need to, going to a testing centre for your test.
Finally today, I want to say just a word or two about this weekend.
I appreciate – I think probably we all feel this – that it’s at the weekend when the temptation to bend the rules a bit will be at its strongest, whether that’s about meeting up with others, or going round to somebody else’s house, a member of your family or a friend.
I also know that for football fans, and this weekend in particular perhaps for Celtic and Rangers fans, that temptation might be even greater.
Tomorrow, of course, sees the first of these Glasgow derbies to be played without fans in the stadium.
It is also taking place at a time when we have additional restrictions on household visits and hospitality.
So with that in mind, I want to underline a few key points, ahead of the match. And I should say that both clubs and the SPFL are also emphasising these points to supporters, and I’m very grateful to them for that.
The first thing to say is that you mustn’t go round to somebody else’s house to watch the match.
None of us – not just football supporters but none of us – should be going into each other’s homes at the moment unless it is for an essential purpose such as childcare or looking after a vulnerable person.
And I’m afraid – and I know that this statement is possibly a controversial one in Scotland, I readily acknowledge that – I’m afraid that watching football, no matter how essential I know it might feel to some, does not fall into that ‘essential’ category.
In addition, people should not be gathering outside or around the stadium. There will be nothing to see there so there is no point at all in turning up.
Finally, please don’t travel in order to try to watch the match.
I know there might be a temptation to try to get around local or national restrictions in this way. But it’s really important that you don’t do that.
In general right now, people in the central belt should be avoiding travel to other parts of Scotland, and all of us should be avoiding travelling to areas in England that have high infection levels.
So please, don’t travel to other parts of Scotland or across the Border just in an attempt to watch the match in a pub. It’s really not worth the risk.
Nobody likes the fact that these restrictions have to be in place but they are vital to protecting all of us, and keeping us safe.
So please comply with the restrictions. By doing that, you will be playing your part in helping us to get the virus under control. And you will be helping to hasten the day when we can all watch and enjoy the things we love doing – whether that’s football or the many other things that we find ourselves not able to do normally right now.
I’ve spoken about some of the restrictions as they relate to football but I want to close today with my usual reminder to everybody – because this is not just about football supporters, this is about all of us right now.
So let me give a general reminder of all of the rules and guidelines.
As I said earlier, except for very specific purposes like childcare or caring for somebody who is vulnerable, none of us should be visiting each other’s homes right now.
That is really tough. I feel that just as all of you find that tough – not being able to see family and friends at their homes, or in our homes. But this is perhaps the single most important thing that all of us can do to limit the risk of transmission, to make sure it doesn’t jump from one household to another. Because we know, once it gets into a household the risk is that it infects everybody in that household.
When we do meet up outdoors, or in indoor public spaces where they are still open, we shouldn’t meet in groups of any more than 6 and those 6 people should be from no more than two households.
Please only car-share if it is essential to do so. And if you must car-share, remember to take sensible precautions – wear face coverings and keep the windows open to allow ventilation.
Work from home if you can – that has been our consistent advice and that remains the advice. My plea to employers is to facilitate your workers working from home if it is at all possible.
Download the Protect Scotland app if you haven’t already done so. That’s an important way of extending the reach of Test and Protect.
Wear face coverings when you are out and about, particularly in enclosed spaces. The law mandates that. As of today that law extends to staff canteens. From Monday it will be extended to communal areas like corridors in workplaces but already in shops and public transport it is the law to wear a face covering. But try to wear one wherever you are when you are out and about because it does help protect against you passing on the virus or other people, if they’re wearing face coverings, passing it to you.
Remember to avoid crowded places – indoors in particular, but even outdoors where there can be a risk of transmission.
Clean your hands regularly and thoroughly, and clean hard surfaces that you’re touching, because we know that from hands and also from surfaces, that’s a way of the virus spreading from one person to another.
Keep two metres distance from people in other households because the farther apart you are, the less risk there is of the virus hopping from one person to another.
And as I’ve already covered today, self-isolate and get tested if you have any of the symptoms. Remember, those symptoms to look out for are a new continuous cough, a fever, high temperature, or a loss of or change in your sense of taste or smell. With any of these, please act immediately to isolate and book a test, don’t hang around and wait to see if you feel better in a day or two.
All of these rules take a lot to remember, they take even more effort to abide by every day, but it’s really important now that we do.
We are in a precarious position, many countries across the world are facing the same challenges right now.
The position we are in requires some really tough restrictions from government, such as not going into other people’s houses, pubs and bars, not being able to open as normal.
But our best defence, our first line of defence against this virus – and this is as true today as it was back in the spring – is me, you and everybody else complying with all of this basic hygiene advice.
As I said yesterday, and it’s important to remember as we head into winter we’re all feeling, I think, more and more fatigued and in despair at this pandemic and everything it’s doing to our lives, but remember, we are not powerless. None of us are powerless; by following the FACTS advice, all of us can strike a blow against this horrible virus, so please remember to do that.
Thank you again for listening.
Ahead of the Old Firm match, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s Director of Public Health has issued a plea to football fans to abide by the restrictions in place to avoid increasing pressure on hospitals which have seen a significant increase in COVID-19 hospitalisations.
There are currently 289 patients with a positive test in last 28 days in hospitals across Greater Glasgow and Clyde and staff at acute sites are working extremely hard to manage the increase, with appropriate red and green pathways established to minimise the spread of the virus.
Dr Linda De Caestecker, said: “I am directly appealing to football fans ahead of the weekend to ask them please do not to go to anyone else’s house, or travel outside of Greater Glasgow and Clyde to watch the football.
“If you do, you are putting others at risk. The current restrictions are in place to minimise the spread of the virus. If you do not follow them, this will increase the rate of transmission of COVID-19 in the community and in turn, the number of people who being hospitalised by the virus. Sadly, this will also mean more people will die.”
Greater Glasgow and Clyde currently has the highest number of COVID-19 cases in Scotland. Any unnecessary travel, meeting indoors with other households or meeting more than one other household outside, significantly increases the spread of the virus and reduces the impact of the measures in place.
Dr De Caestecker added: “Cases across Scotland are on the rise, and the more the public can do to follow the rules now, the lives will be saved.”
