Author: davepickering

Edinburgh reporter and photographer

UK secures extra 60 million Pfizer/BioNTech vaccines

  • The government’s Vaccines Taskforce has purchased an additional 60 million doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine
  • Move will ensure people have the strongest possible protection from COVID-19

An extra 60 million doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine have been secured by the UK government to help support the booster COVID-19 vaccination programme beginning from the Autumn.

To protect the most vulnerable ahead of the winter, the government is preparing for a booster programme based on clinical need to ensure people have the strongest possible protection against COVID-19.

The additional Pfizer/BioNTech jabs will be used alongside other approved COVID-19 vaccines for the booster programme.

This comes as new data from Public Health England shows that one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine reduces household transmission of the virus by up to half.

Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock said: “Our vaccination programme is bringing back our freedom, but the biggest risk to that progress is the risk posed by a new variant.

“We’re working on our plans for booster shots, which are the best way to keep us safe and free while we get this disease under control across the whole world.

“These further 60 million doses will be used, alongside others, as part of our booster programme from later this year, so we can protect the progress that we’ve all made.”

The government will publish further details on the booster programme in due course and the final policy will be informed by advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) and the results of clinical trials studying the use of different combinations of approved COVID-19 vaccines.

Vaccines Minister Nadhim Zahawi said: “We are doing everything we can to make sure the most vulnerable are protected from COVID-19 now and in the future.

“Our brilliant Vaccines Taskforce has secured an extra 60 million doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccines to support our booster programme, which will be developed in line with the advice of our experts.

“In the meantime, we are making great progress with our vaccination rollout and I urge everybody to get their vaccines as soon as they are eligible.”

Overall, the UK has secured access to 517 million doses of eight of the most promising COVID-19 vaccines. These are:

  • Pfizer/BioNTech for 100 million doses – including the additional 60 million doses
  • Oxford/AstraZeneca for 100 million doses
  • Moderna for 17 million doses
  • Janssen for 30 million doses
  • Novavax for 60 million doses
  • Valneva for 100 million doses
  • GlaxoSmithKline and Sanofi Pasteur for 60 million doses
  • CureVac for 50 million doses

Health services across the UK have now administered a total of 47,540,984 million vaccines between 8 December and 27 April, including 33,959,908 million people with their first dose (64.5% of all adults) and 13,581,076 million with their second (25.8% of all adults).

All vaccines being used in the UK have met the independent Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency’s (MHRA) strict standards of safety, effectiveness and quality.

Rolling reviews are underway by the MHRA to assess the Janssen and Novavax vaccines. Clinical trials are ongoing for the Valneva, GSK and Sanofi and CureVac jabs.

The UK government has already hit its target of offering everybody in cohorts 1 to 9 – those aged 50 and over, the clinically vulnerable and health and social care workers – a first dose of the vaccine by 15 April and remains on track to offer a jab to all adults by the end of July.

Data from the ONS and Oxford University shows that COVID-19 infections fell significantly by 65% after the first dose of the Oxford/AstraZeneca or Pfizer/BioNTech vaccines, rising further after the second dose.

Data from Public Health England’s real-world study shows the vaccines are already having a significant impact in the UK, reducing hospitalisations and deaths, saving more than 10,000 lives between December and March.

A recent survey published by ONS showed that 92% of those who had been vaccinated with a first dose did not experience any difficulties when going to get their vaccine – such as difficulty travelling to the vaccination site, concerns over catching the virus while there or having a long wait for their appointment.

Vaccines are available from thousands of NHS vaccine centres, GP practices and pharmacies. Around 98% of people live within 10 miles of a vaccination centre in England and vaccinations are taking place at sites including mosques, community centres and football stadiums.

Ben Osborn, Country Manager at Pfizer UK, said: “By more than doubling our supply commitment to the UK, we are delighted to support the ongoing rollout of the UK immunisation programme and help the government in its efforts to address the pandemic.

“Along with our partner BioNTech, we are working relentlessly to support vaccination campaigns worldwide and, based on current projections, believe we can deliver more than 2.5 billion doses of our vaccine globally by the end of 2021.”

The latest UK-wide vaccination statistics are published here

Key Council services set to reopen

A number of key Council services, including libraries, community centres and galleries, will shortly reopen following the move to Level 3 in Scotland earlier this week.

Plans have been developed to prioritise the reopening of these venues in line with the Scottish Government’s current guidance and route map out of lockdown.

Services resuming include:

  • Three libraries reopening on Monday (3 May) with a further six in the coming weeks (full details below)
  • The City Art Centre will open on 15 May with four free summer exhibitions scheduled
  • Outdoor extra-curricular activities in schools restarted this week
  • Edinburgh Leisure centres are now open for individual exercise, including gyms, swimming pools, indoor court hire, racquet sports and children’s coaching, with outdoor contact sports for 12 to 17-year-olds and community access to high school sports facilities also restarted.

We’re also working closely with Community Centre Management Committees to decide what services are able to operate from the centres and when.

We’ll be following the latest Scottish Government and health guidance to make sure all venues are safe to reopen. Our first priority thus far has been ensuring our schools could reopen safely for our young people and staff but strict cleaning regimes and other measures will be in place to ensure the safety of everyone visiting venues or taking part in activities.

Culture and Communities Convener, Councillor Donald Wilson, said: “It’s great to see our first libraries reopening their doors next week with more to follow in May as part of our plans for a gradual reopening of community amenities across the city.

“This phased reopening, which will also see the City Art Centre welcome back visitors, community centres offering essential services like youth work and Edinburgh Leisure venues up and running again, is the first step in our gradual and careful emergence from lockdown.

“Our libraries are invaluable resources for local communities as there’s so much more to a library than just borrowing books. They are trusted and much-loved hub buildings which strengthen local communities and are essential for the wellbeing of our citizens.

“Libraries are a vital requirement in any democratic society, giving access to knowledge and literature, helping to bridge the digital divide and supporting literacy.”

Culture and Communities Vice Convener Cllr Amy McNeese-Mechan said: “We really appreciate everyone’s support and patience as we gradually start to welcome people back into their much-loved local spaces like our libraries, community centres and sports venues. I’m sure everyone will fully appreciate that our top priority remains the health of our citizens and staff.

“I’m particularly delighted that our libraries are able to begin reopening, especially here in the world’s first UNESCO City of Literature, but also that the City Art Centre is able to open with four fantastic new – and free – exhibitions for our residents to enjoy as they take their first steps back towards normality.”

Libraries

Central, Drumbrae, and Kirkliston will be open this Monday (3 May) followed by Craigmillar, Fountainbridge, McDonald Road and Stockbridge (10 May). Wester Hailes will reopen on 17 May and Gilmerton on 24 May.

It is hoped that the remaining libraries will open again as soon as possible after these dates.

Residents are reminded that numbers will be limited in the buildings due to the safety measures in place and visits will need to be booked in advance – this can be done online or by phoning the library.

The buildings will be open by appointment for browsing and borrowing books, using computers and the internet, processing bus passes (National Entitlement Cards) or collecting hearing aid batteries. Returning books and picking up free sanitary products will not require a booking.

Social distancing measures will be in place and wearing face coverings is mandatory.

Museums and Galleries

The City Art Centre will open on 15 May with two new exhibitions –Bright Shadows: Scottish Art in the 1920s and Charles H. Mackie: Colour and Light. Two further exhibitions are planned Marine: Ian Hamilton Finlay (22 May) and Islander: The paintings of Donald Smith following a week later. All exhibitions are free.

Plans are being finalised for the reopening of other galleries and museums. Updates regarding reopening dates and measures in place to keep everyone safe will be published as soon as possible.

Community centres

We’re contacting all Community Centre Management Committees this week to provide support in re-establishing essential services such as youth work. As was the case before lockdown, processes are in place to allow them to identify services they want to resume and any support required to do so.

Extracurricular activities (ECA)

Outdoor ECA resumed in schools on 26 April and include activities such as sport, drama, dance music and art.

Indoor ECA aren’t currently permitted under the guidance but we’re considering their resumption alongside the need to maintain the strict cleaning regimes currently operating in our schools as the safety of our pupils and staff remains our priority.

Edinburgh Leisure

Outdoor contact sports for 12–17-year-olds started back on 5 April and community access to high school sports facilities on 19 April. Tennis courts and golf courses have been open since June 2020 with golf, in particular, seeing an upswing in participation (winter golf membership up 400%, year-on-year).

Leisure centres are now open for individual exercise, including gyms, swimming pools, indoor court hire, racquet sports and children’s coaching. It is hoped that outdoor adult contact sport and indoor group exercise can restart on 17 May, with indoor non-contact sport following in early June (as per Scottish Government’s current route map).

Brewtiful: Aldi unveils line up for Spring Scottish Beer Festival

The 23rd annual in-store festival is bringing together thirteen of the best breweries from all corners of Scotland.  

Aldi has revealed the line-up for its 23rd annual Scottish beer festival, which will showcase 30 exceptional craft beers from thirteen breweries across the country, with prices starting at just £1.39.  

Kicking off in-store on Thursday (29th April), the festival comes just in time for the bank holiday weekend. The breweries featured span the length and breadth of Scotland in a deal worth over £110,000 to those involved.  

Aldi’s Scottish Beer Festival will celebrate the vast range of beers, lagers and ales brewed across Scotland, including products from Loch Lomond Brewery, which was named Brewery of the Year at the 2020 Scottish Beer Awards. 

The line-up includes 26 new products, including wheat beers, stouts, IPAs and pale ales, as well as the return of four customer favourites, including Bellfield’s Bohemian Pilsner and Fyne Ales’ Hurricane Jack.  

Multi-award-winning brewery Fierce Beer will also have nine of its craft beers featured in the festival. Fierce Beer won ‘Breakthrough Brewery’ back in 2017 and most recently received 14 awards at the 2020 Scottish Beer Awards, including gold awards for Split Shift and Café Racer, which both feature in Aldi’s festival line-up.  

Graham Nicolson, Group Buying Director, Aldi Scotland, said: “Our Scottish Beer Festivals always give our customers something to look forward to and I have no doubt that this year’s will do the same.  

“While we hope that many people will be able to get down to their local for the first time in quite a while this bank holiday weekend, the next best option is to support your local brewery at our Scottish Beer Festival.  

“We are immensely proud of the strong partnerships we have built with local breweries in Scotland, and I am certain that our customers will enjoy discovering some quirky new brews at everyday Aldi prices.” 

The Aldi Scottish Beer festival, will take place in all 96 Scottish stores from Thursday 29th April. You can find your nearest Aldi here.  

Rediscover your love of dining with the Ivy on the Square

The Ivy on the Square welcomes guests back for a ‘Summer of Love’ with bespoke 1960s themed cocktail menu and new summer dishes

The Ivy on the Square is spreading the love as it celebrates its re-opening with a selection of summertime specials.

Launching ‘The Summer of Love’, evocative of the carefree nature of the 1960s, The Ivy on the Square will be serving refreshing limited-edition mocktails, including Across the Universe (£5.75)  featuring fresh mint, lemon and sugar, shaken and topped with chilled Scavi & Ray non-alcoholic prosecco; Free & Easy Spritz (£6.95) which infuses Lyre’s non-alcoholic Italian spritz with pink grapefruit juice, Fever-Tree soda water and Scavi & Ray non-alcoholic prosecco; and the Mai-Tai-Dye (£6.95) mixing Seedlip Grove 42 with Lyre’s non-alcoholic Amaretti, lime and pineapple juice.

For those looking to indulge in The Ivy on the Square’s renowned menu, there will be plenty of refreshing new summer dishes available, including the Garden Pea Risotto (£13.95) served with goat’s cheese, rocket and a baby shoot salad (top), and Côte de Boeuf (£32.95).

An alcoholic cocktail menu will also be available exclusively for those dining outside on the terrace until 10pm, ahead of Scotland’s scheduled move to Tier 2 on 17 May, when cocktails will be able to be enjoyed indoors as well as al fresco.

Chris Greenan, General Manager at The Ivy on the Square added: “We are very excited to be open again, and to be welcoming back our new and returning guests, who we have greatly missed over the last few months.

“Whether you are looking for lunch with friends or dinner with a loved one, there are plenty of delicious options to help you rediscover your love of dining this summer.”

The Ivy on the Square, Edinburgh is now open Monday to Sunday, from 9am. The last indoor booking will be seated at 6.15pm, for guests to depart by 8pm. The brasserie has limited outdoor seating available which will be allocated on a first come, first serve basis.

Northern Ireland’s FM Arlene Foster announces resignation

Statement delivered on Wednesday afternoon (28 April) by DUP Leader and First Minister of Northern Ireland Rt. Hon. Arlene Foster MLA:

A short time ago I called the Party Chairman to inform him that I intend to step down as leader of the Democratic Unionist Party on the twenty-eighth of May and as First Minister of Northern Ireland at the end of June.

It is important to give space over the next few weeks for the Party Officers to make arrangements for the election of a new leader. When elected I will work with the new leader on transition arrangements.

As First Minister it is important that I complete work on a number of important issues for Northern Ireland alongside other Executive colleagues. Northern Ireland and its people have been heavily impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic and there remains more work to be done to steer us thorough the pandemic and to lessen its impact on the lives of everyone.

It has been the privilege of my life to serve the people of Northern Ireland as their First Minister and to represent my home constituency of Fermanagh/South Tyrone. I first entered the Assembly in 2003 and undoubtedly the journey of the last eighteen years has been memorable. There are many people who have helped and supported me throughout that period and I will always been grateful for the kindness and support shown to me by them.

Whilst there have been many difficult and testing times for the Executive it remains my firm view that Northern Ireland has been better served having local Ministers at this time. It is unthinkable that we could have faced into the Coronavirus pandemic without our own devolved Ministers in place and no Ministerial direction for Departments.

As I prepare to depart the political stage it is my view that if Northern Ireland is to prosper then it will only do so built on the foundations of successful and durable devolution. That will require continued hard work and real determination and courage on all sides.

Whilst the focus is on me today I recognise that will pass. For me my decision to enter politics was never about party or person, it was about speaking up for the voiceless and building a Northern Ireland which could prosper and be at peace within the United Kingdom.

I am the first to recognise there have been ups and downs over the last five and a half years.

The 2016 Assembly election result and our Party’s best ever Westminster result in 2017 stand out amongst the high points when the electorate sent a clear message that they wanted to keep Northern Ireland moving forward.

The Confidence and Supply Agreement was able to bring one billion pounds of extra spending for everyone in Northern Ireland. Our priorities were not narrow but based on more investment in mental health and hospitals, bringing broadband to rural communities, improving our roads and ensuring funding to encourage more shared housing and education.

For our innocent victims, I am proud we battled together and whilst too late for some, we finally secured a truly deserved pension for you.

For our armed forces, the Veterans’ Commissioner is in place. You have an advocate to stand up for you and ensure your voice is heard at the heart of government.

Of course as with highs there were lows along the way.

The three years without devolution caused untold harm to our public services and the RHI Inquiry was a difficult period. The Protocol being foisted upon Northern Ireland against the will of unionists has served to destabilise Northern Ireland in more recent times.

Whilst there is still a job of work to do, I am proud that there is a young generation of Democratic Unionists getting involved in politics and trying to shape Northern Ireland for the better.

Over the last twelve months, I have been holding online meetings every week with young people mainly from working class communities and encouraging them especially the young women to get involved.

I echo that encouragement today. Politics and debate is the only path to effect change in society. You will and can be the MPs, MLAs and Councillors of tomorrow.

My election as leader of the Democratic Unionist Party broke a glass ceiling and I am glad inspired other women to enter politics and spurred them on to take up elected office.

I understand the misogynistic criticisms that female public figures have to take and sadly it’s the same for all women in public life. I want to encourage you to keep going and don’t let the online lynch mobs get you down.

To the hundreds of Party supporters who have been in touch over the last few days, I say a sincere thank you for the opportunities to serve you and the support you have given me. For almost five and a half years I have been incredibly humbled to have the opportunity to lead the Democratic Unionist Party.

I have sought to lead the Party and Northern Ireland away from division and towards a better path.

There are people in Northern Ireland with a British identity, others are Irish, others are Northern Irish, others are a mixture of all three and some are new and emerging. We must all learn to be generous to each other, live together and share this wonderful country.

The future of unionism and Northern Ireland will not be found in division, it will only be found in sharing this place we all are privileged to call home.

Letters: Volunteer with BHF

Dear Editor,

Would you like to upskill, keep busy or meet new people? Volunteering with The British Heart Foundation (BHF) Scotland offers a range of opportunities and with our shops open once again, we need your help now more than ever.

Whether you can spare a few hours or a couple of days a week, the gift of time is vital to the BHF. Every hour given helps us raise funds to support the 700,000 people in Scotland living with heart and circulatory diseases.

This year marks the BHF’s 60th birthday and as we look forward to National Volunteering Week (1-7 June) we’d love you to join our team.

Volunteers can help on the shop floor, in administration, in our warehouses or as stock collection drivers. For students keen to develop their skills, those wanting experience to get back into work or members of the community hoping to meet new people, we can help you – and you can help the BHF save and improve lives.

For more information, head to www.bhf.org.uk/volunteer

Yours sincerely

James Jopling

Head of BHF Scotland

Youngsters return to pools with a splash in Edinburgh!

Young swimmers are celebrating their return to swimming lessons – and at the same time are showing how healthy activities can return post-lockdown – with the reopening of ten pools in Edinburgh.

Following months of closure caused by the pandemic, Edinburgh Leisure has been able to facilitate the return of 4,370 children to the national Learn to Swim Framework.

Edinburgh Leisure operates pools at Ainslie Park Leisure Centre, Drumbrae Leisure Centre, Gracemount Leisure Centre, Dalry Swim Centre, Glenogle Swim Centre, Leith Victoria Swim Centre, Portobello Swim Centre, The Royal Commonwealth Pool, Queensferry High School and Currie High School.

The Learn to Swim Framework, a partnership between Scottish Swimming and Scottish Water, is delivered by Leisure Trusts and aquatic providers enables children of all ages to become safe and confident swimmers.

Edinburgh Leisure has welcomed back 4,370 children and young people from babies through to Club level from 26 April 2021 – the first lessons in the area since pools had to close in December following an initial re-opening in September at the end of the first national lockdown.

Angela McCowan, Aquatics Development Manager at Edinburgh Leisure said: “We are delighted to be welcoming so many children and young people back to our pools across the city. Not only is it a great opportunity for them to get active again but they are learning critical life skills, which will keep them safe in and around water.”

New measures have been put in place, including social distancing, additional hygiene procedures, instructors teaching from poolside and children arriving to lessons ‘Beach Ready’ with their swimming costumes on under clothing.

Around 85% of the 39 Learn to Swim Framework providers are set to resume their programmes over the coming weeks and Edinburgh Leisure will open 10 pools for lessons.

The Learn to Swim partnership between Scottish Swimming and Scottish Water was extended for a fourth year in 2020 following its success in creating a 100,000-strong new generation of safe swimmers.

Euan Lowe, Scottish Swimming chief executive officer, said: “After a long period of various closures and restrictions, we’re thrilled to see children return to the water. It’s great to see their excitement and eagerness to get back into the water. We look forward to seeing lessons resume right across the country over the coming weeks.

“It is also encouraging to see the nation’s youngsters take a lead in showing that health and leisure activities can be resumed post-lockdown. We know from recent studies and advice from the World Health Organisation that the properties of chlorine make pool environments safe spaces during this pandemic to participate in sport and exercise.

“The Leisure Trusts and aquatic providers involved with Learn to Swim has shown what can be achieved when everyone works so closely and diligently together.”

Brian Lironi, Director of Corporate Affairs with Scottish Water, said: “It’s fantastic to be in a position now where we can restart the programme and enable more children to become strong and confident swimmers – especially in the lead up to summer.

“With our partnership with Scottish Swimming into its fourth year, we look forward to seeing thousands of youngsters continue to both start and enjoy their lessons.”

The Learn to Swim Framework is aimed at youngsters from birth to 11-years-old and provides consistently high-quality teaching which progresses through a series of lessons and levels over a number of years.

More information on the Learn to Swim Framework can be found on the dedicated website: www.learntoswim.scot

Morrisons tackles period poverty with ‘Package for Sandy’

– ‘Package for Sandy’ was created by Morrisons Community Champion, Emma Parkinson, in response to period poverty at her local store in Bolton –

– Initiative now available at 497 stores –

– 125,000 sanitary products to be distributed to local charities nationwide by Morrisons Community Champions –

Morrisons is helping to fight back against period poverty by rolling out ‘Package for Sandy’ – a service available for customers in need who can access a discreet package of sanitary protection products – across all its 497 stores after a store colleague in Bolton came up with the idea to help vulnerable customers. 

The ‘Package for Sandy’ initiative was created and launched by Community Champion, Emma Parkinson, who saw the need for the service in her local area. The initiative is now being rolled out nationwide across all Morrisons stores in the UK in a bid to beat period poverty.

Customers in need can now go to any Morrisons customer service desk nationwide and ask for a package for ‘Sandy’ or a ‘period product pack’. The customers will then be given a free discreet envelope with sanitary products and no questions asked. 

The package is made up of a brown paper bag with two single sanitary towels. 

Emma, who works at the Morrisons Bolton Atlas store, came up with the idea in response to the issue of period poverty. The ‘Package for Sandy’ offers discreet support for those who may be in emergency need or are struggling for sanitary products.  

Emma Parkinson, Community Champion at Morrisons Bolton Atlas, said: “Period poverty is a real problem and going to a school in a predominantly low-income area gave me an insight into what it’s like to have no access to sanitary wear.

“It’s shocking that young girls and women go without sanitary products through no fault of their own so I’m really pleased that we at Morrisons can help to support those in need across the whole of the UK.” 

Following the success of the recent Buy One Donate One campaign on sanitary products, Morrisons is also donating 125,000 sanitary products which will be distributed to local charities by community champions nationwide. 

For more information visit www.morrisons.co.uk.      

#letsendperiodpoverty

Customers reminded to look out for tax credits renewals packs

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is sending out about 2.5 million annual renewals packs to tax credits customers from this week. Customers should check their details in the renewal pack and report any change in circumstances to HMRC.

The packs will be sent out over the next six weeks and all customers should receive theirs by 4 June.

HMRC recognises that many tax credits customers will have been affected by the pandemic and may have earned less money than in previous years. It is important that customers check the details contained in their annual renewal pack are correct, including income details.

Renewing online is quick and easy. Customers can log into GOV.UK to check on the progress of their renewal, be reassured it is being processed and know when they will hear back from HMRC. Customers can also use the HMRC app on their smartphone to:

  • renew their tax credits
  • check their tax credits payments schedule, and
  • find out how much they have earned for the year

Tax credits help working families with targeted financial support, so it is important that people don’t miss out on money they are entitled to.

If there is a change in a customer’s circumstances that could affect their tax credits claims, they must report the changes to HMRC.

Circumstances that could affect tax credits payments include changes to:

·         living arrangements

·         childcare

·         working hours, or

·         income (increase or decrease)

Customers do not need to report any temporary falls in their working hours as a result of coronavirus. They will be treated as if they are working their normal hours until the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme closes.

Criminals can take advantage of tax credits renewals to text, email or phone taxpayers offering ‘rebates’ or threatening them with arrest if they don’t pay bogus tax owed. Many scams mimic government messages to look authentic.

If someone contacts a customer claiming to be from HMRC, asks for bank or other personal details, threatens arrest or demands that they transfer money, it might be a scam.

Check GOV.UK for HMRC’s scams checklist, and to find out how to report tax scams and recognise genuine HMRC contact.

Customers can get help and information on renewing tax credits:

  • on GOV.UK: manage your tax credits
  • using our webchat service, by going to GOV.UK and searching ‘tax credits general enquiries’
  • by tweeting @HMRCcustomers or posting on HMRC’s Facebook page with general queries
  • by using the HMRC app, available via your phone’s app store
  • by calling the tax credits helpline: 0345 300 3900