Category: North Edinburgh News

Christmas in the new normal

Five ways to celebrate remotely with loved ones this year

  • Amid the current health crisis, Furniture And Choice shares five tips to keep up with your Christmas traditions remotely 
  • Cooking together, craft competitions and online games among the best ways to stay connected to loved ones 

    While Christmas rules may allow some family members to get together, this won’t be the case for everyone and certainly not for those with large families or friendship groups.  

    However, there are many ways to have an amazing Christmas with friends and family even while social distancing or living on Zoom, without letting those all-important traditions fall by the wayside. Interior Style Advisor at Furniture And Choice, Rebecca Snowden, offers her top tips on how to celebrate the festive season with loved ones even if you can’t be physically together:  
  1. Take time to cook (and eat) together 

The highlight of many people’s Christmas is the big festive lunch and you don’t have to miss out just because you can’t leave your home. Share recipes for what you’re planning to cook with your friends and family beforehand, to make sure you all have the same ingredients on the day. You could even assign courses to different family members if you wanted to – although you won’t be able to eat everyone’s offering! 

On the day, arrange a time to video call so you can virtually make the dishes together. This is a great way to chat and feel connected to loved ones as if you’re all cooking and making something special together. There are many apps you can use to do this, including Zoom, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger and FaceTime (if you all have Apple devices).  

Don’t forget to arrange a time for a video call at the dinner table too, so you can sit down, have a chat and eat your meal together as a family.  

  1. Take part in a Christmas craft competition 

To really get into the festivities, you could arrange a table centrepiece competition with your friends and family. There are plenty of tutorials for centrepieces online that use things you’ll have lying around the house, and it’s a welcome bit of fun for everyone to enjoy.  

One person should act as the judge and taskmaster, sharing the table centrepiece tutorial beforehand and judging everybody’s attempts via a video call or picture submissions to determine who is the most successful. You could even present the winner with a virtual prize, such as a gift card.  

This is a great way to have some fun with your loved ones and make something perfect for your Christmas dining table.  

  1. Create a playlist to listen to music together 

To really feel like you’re sitting down to have lunch with your loved ones, why not create a playlist for everyone to listen to at the same time? You can easily create a playlist on Spotify or Apple Music, and then share this with your family and friends so you can all listen together while you’re cooking or having lunch.  

To make things a little more interesting, you could create a public playlist and assign each person certain letters of the alphabet to add artists beginning with that letter. Alternatively, create a playlist theme, such as Christmas number ones, and see who can add the most songs to the playlist that fit the theme you chose.  

  1. Play online games 

After you’ve eaten your lunch, what could be better than playing a game? Although you won’t be able to sit down and play a board game together as you would usually, there are lots of virtual game apps that allow you to still enjoy fun and games with your loved ones. 

Try Kahoot! for a virtual quiz suitable for all the family. Each person can select a quiz category that they want everyone to play, or you can make it extra personal by creating a round specifically about your friends and family.  

For something with more of a competitive edge, download Mario Kart Tour on iOs or Android to race as your favourite Mario characters with your friends and family. Fancy something more grown-up? The online version of Cards against Humanity is now available to download – just make sure there are no children present!  

  1. Watch a movie together 

If you fancy something more chilled during your Christmas break, why not cosy up and watch a festive favourite with your loved ones? Thanks to apps such as Netflix Party, you can now sit and watch Netflix films together virtually – just download the extension on Google Chrome, invite your loved ones to watch a film and you’re good to go.

You can even talk via a chat box while watching the film so you can discuss and share your thoughts as you watch, so it’s a great way to stay connected to your friends and family. 

Rebecca continues: “Christmas may be a huge struggle for some this year, as for many it’s a time to be around loved ones to eat, drink and be merry. While rules are allowing some people to get together, there will be many who won’t be able to see everyone they usually would, like extended family or groups of friends.

“But we shouldn’t let this spoil the Christmas spirit, we should try to adapt our plans to make sure we still feel connected with our loved ones.  

“Setting up collaborative challenges, sharing recipes and engaging in a family quiz are great ways to keep spirits high and create memories you won’t forget. Why not use this time to start new traditions from the comfort of your own homes and celebrate the Christmas season in style?”  

For more ideas and inspiration, including Christmas crafts to try, visit Furniture And Choice’s inspiration page here: https://www.furniturechoice.co.uk/inspiration/ 

You are what you eat

THE FIVE NUTRIENTS TO HELP EDINBURGH STAY HEALTHY THIS WINTER – AND WHERE TO FIND THEM

keep your immune system strong with these nutritious foods

www.fruitjuicesciencecentre.eu/en

As we get deeper into winter and the subsequent rise in colds, flu and likely, covid-19, more of us are hunting out ways to keep ourselves healthy.

However, research by the Fruit Juice Science Centre states that 40 per cent of people in Edinburgh are unaware that they are more likely to pick up viruses if the immune system is compromised.

So, how do we Improve our virus-fighting systems? It’s not as difficult as you might think. In fact, adding certain nutrients to your day-to-day diet could make all the difference.

Vitamin C

There’s a reason we turn to orange juice during times of sickness; new research by the Fruit Juice Science Centre has revealed that just one 150 ml glass of 100% fruit juice provides a staggering 84% of the Nutrient Reference Value (NRV – the minimum we should consume for normal health) for vitamin C. During times of illness, experts say we may need more than double the NRV – around 200 mg of vitamin C daily.

And this vitamin is essential for our immune system; it not only influences the growth and function of immune cells, it also supports the skin and gut barriers against pathogens, acts as a powerful antioxidant, and encourages mobilisation of white blood cells to sites of infection to kill off pathogens.

However, it’s not just when you’ve been struck down with the sniffles that you should consider drinking a glass of orange juice.

Thirty-one per cent of respondents quizzed in Edinburg believe wrongly that the body stores vitamin C and as long as you’ve consumed lots on one day, your body will have enough for the next day. However, this isn’t the case, and a daily supply is needed.

Dr Gill Jenkins, GP and broadcaster, explains that in the UK many of us fail to reach optimal vitamin C intakes as most people don’t eat the recommended five daily servings of fruit and vegetables. Shockingly, fewer than one third of 19-64-year olds hit their quota.

That’s why it’s a good idea to load up on fruit and veg, particularly those rich in antioxidant vitamin C such as tomatoes, red and green peppers, kiwi fruit, broccoli and potatoes. One daily serving of 100% juice can be part of this.

Vitamin D

The sunshine vitamin is in short supply during the UK’s winter months, so the UK government advises everyone considers a year-round supplement of 10 micrograms of vitamin D a day to keep bones and muscles healthy.

More recent studies have found vitamin D receptors on several types of immune cells, suggesting that it also has an immunity benefit. Added to this, low vitamin D levels in blood increase the likelihood of respiratory tract infections, so it’s essential to keep stores topped up.

Vitamin D is only found in a small number of foods which is why we rely on summer and autumn sunshine to hit our vitamin D targets. But even this isn’t foolproof given the UK’s ever-changing weather.

With nearly a fifth of adults failing to reach the minimum cut-off set by the UK Department of Health (25 nmol/litre) of vitamin D blood levels, it’s time to up our game with this essential vitamin.

As well as supplementation, include vitamin D-rich foods like oily fish, eggs, dairy products, liver, fortified foods and mushrooms.

Folate

This water-soluble B vitamin is essential for normal immunity, including antibody production and function.

It’s also vital for cell health, says Dr Jenkins, as during pregnancy, “a lack of folic acid is associated with neural tube defects (NTDs) such as spina bifida”. Need another reason to drink fruit juice?  A 150 ml glass of 100% orange juice provides 16% of the NRV for folate. To increase your intake of folate even further, add whole fruit, nuts, seeds, beans, peas and green leafy vegetables to your diet.

Omega-3 fatty acids

Whilst Omega 3 fatty acids do target and reduce body inflammation[5], fewer than half (45%) of those surveyed in Edinburgh by the Fruit Juice Science Centre actually linked omega-3s with immune function. It’s recommended that we consume 140g of omega-3s-rich oily fish a week. However, the National Diet and Nutrition Survey reveals that adults aged 19-64 years eat just 56 g a week on average -with teens eating even less! Up your omega 3s intake with oily fish (including sardines, salmon and mackerel) as well as nuts and seeds such as flaxseed, chia seeds and walnuts. Try sprinkling flaxseeds over porridge for breakfast and grilling sardines on toast for lunch.

Polyphenols, prebiotics and probiotics

These all support our gut microbiota- the complex family of bacteria that lives in our digestive tract – which in turn, can play a role in our immune health. The gut is the first line of defence against pathogens and having a healthy, balanced microbiota is the cornerstone of this.

As if the vitamin C content of 100% orange juice wasn’t enough to make you consume 150 ml a day, orange juice also contains hesperidin, a type of polyphenol particularly useful in aiding vascular function with new 2020 research claiming that hesperidin could be useful in novel drugs for covid-19.

Dr Gill Jenkins explains: “Hesperidin has attracted the attention of scientists because it binds to the key proteins of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) – meaning it could have anti-viral effects.”

New evidence also suggests that hesperidin has a prebiotic effect, encouraging more favourable bacteria to thrive in the gut. For optimum levels of hesperidin, drink packaged juice rather than home squeezed juice since commercial squeezing extracts more polyphenols. As well as orange juice, add high fibre and probiotic-rich fermented foods to your diet such as pickles, miso, kefir and sauerkraut.

For more information see: www.fruitjuicesciencecentre.eu/en

Charity urges families to walk to help beat winter blues

SCOTS are being encouraged to use walking to socialise safely, beat loneliness and boost mental wellbeing this festive period.  

As festive plans are cancelled and changed, walking charity Paths for All has suggested families do something a little different this Christmas and New Years for a winter health boost by taking up local festive walks with loved ones, while following all government guidelines.

While winter can be a tough time for older people in particular, regular walks can help keep Scots safe while allowing us to meet up and spend time with family and friends helping to reduce stress, isolation and anxiety.

Research shows half a million older people regularly suffer periods of isolation during winter, with some people not seeing or speaking with others for up to five or six days per week, and even longer over the festive period.

A local daily walk over Christmas allows for all important interaction with loved ones, neighbours, and others in the community, creating a sense of connection and community belonging even while social distancing.

Dr Gregor Smith, Scotland’s Chief Medical Officer, said: “Regular walking is a powerful tonic. It helps to boost our immune system and those of us able to should strive to get the benefit this winter.

“A 30-minute daily walk is one of the best ways to look after yourself and it’s something we can do from our own front door.

“During periods of physical distancing, isolation and uncertainty, many have expressed increased feelings of anxiety, stress or worry. Daily outdoor exercise, while adhering to guidelines, is an important way to improve physical and mental wellbeing.

“We would encourage those who are able to get outdoors this winter to do so, even if it is for a short walk to the shop or to school.”

The plea comes as the charity launched its Walk Once a Day this Winter campaign and online content hub which highlights the importance of a daily walks to maintain physical and mental well-being.

The hub provides a variety of ideas, Christmas activities and information designed to motivate individuals of all ages to get outdoors and get moving including Santa spotting, podcast recommendations, location advice, community and festive walks and creative walking.

The winter initiative will also offer incentives to those who pledge to walk once a day through December and January.

Dr William Bird MBE, founder of Intelligent Health and the Beat the Street game said: “Walk Once a Day this winter is such a simple but effective message.

“When I talk to patients on a day-to-day basis, most of them ask for advice on how to avoid getting COVID-19 or how they can improve their chances of fighting it if they do catch it.

“Walking is always one of the best things that people can do for their health, however during these times of COVID-19, it’s more vital than ever. When you go for a brisk walk, this stimulates the creation of ‘natural killer cells’ which are part of the immune system. They sit at the nasal cavity and are ready to mop up any virus including COVID-19 and kill it before it has a chance to replicate and get into the cells.

“Not only that, but walking in green space and nature has a positive impact on the brain also reduces stress and its negative impact on the immune system.”

UK-wide research by King’s College London during lockdown revealed 49% of people in the UK have felt more anxious or depressed than normal, with walking shown to be an effective method to prevent and manage mental health conditions.

Paths for All believes regular walking is key to leading a happy and healthy life – and it is important for people to continue enjoying short, local walks where it is safe and appropriate to do so, owing to the huge array of associated benefits.

Ian Findlay CBE, Chief Officer at Paths for All said: “A walking Christmas is the safest way to meet with friends and family this festive period, and additionally experience positive physical, social and mental health benefits.

“Over the last few months, walking has become more popular and surveys have shown that Scots have increased their walking during this unprecedented time more than any other part of the UK.

“We would encourage individuals to keep this up, even if it is for just a short walk round the block, it’s a time for us to wander outside, get some fresh air and leave our worries behind.  

“We believe by encouraging people to walk everyday they will experience many positive physical, social and mental health benefits and in turn we will move forward in the New Year as a healthier, greener, safer and happier nation”.

Follow the campaign over on Paths for All social media channels #WalkOnceADay.

Paths for All launched a mood-boosting podcast designed using mindfulness techniques to help people look after their mental well-being whilst getting their daily exercise during Covid-19. Mind to Walk is freely available online on all popular podcast players or on Paths for All website at www.pathsforall.org.uk/mindtowalk

Paths for All’s focus is clear: it wants to get Scotland walking: everyone, every day, everywhere.

For more information on Paths for All and the Walk Once a Day this Winter campaign, visit: http://www.pathsforall.org.uk/walkonceaday

Heart Research UK Health Tip: Understanding alcohol units

Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip, written by Dr Helen Flaherty, Head of Health Promotion and Education at Heart Research UK

Understanding Alcohol Units

For many people in the UK, alcohol plays a big part in their social lives. As Christmas approaches, it can be easy to get carried away with the celebrations. Drinking too much alcohol can increase your risk of heart disease.

But how much is too much and how do you know how many units of alcohol you are consuming? We provide guidance on understanding alcohol units and keeping track of how much you are drinking this Christmas.

 

  • What are alcohol units and ABV?

Alcohol units represent the quantity of pure alcohol contained within an alcoholic drink (1 unit is 10ml of pure alcohol). The number of units of alcohol in your drink depends on the size and the strength of your drink. ABV means ‘alcohol by volume’ and this is a measure of the amount of alcohol as a percentage of the total volume of a drink.

  • Calculating your units

You can find the ABV on the labels of cans and bottles. To calculate the number of units in a drink, multiply the ABV by the volume (in ml) and divide by 1000.

    • ABV x volume (ml) ÷ 1000 = units
1 BOTTLE OF WINE1 PINT BEER / LAGER / CIDER1 SINGLE SPIRIT

 750ml (ABV 13.5%) =

10 units
1 pint (568ml) (ABV 5.2%) =

3 units
25ml (ABV 40%) =

1 unit
 

The drinks you pour at home may be larger than the amount measured out in pubs. You could try using a measuring cup when pouring drinks at home so you can keep track of what you are drinking.

  • How much is too much?

For men and women, the maximum recommended alcohol units each week is 14, spread over 3 or more days. If you are pregnant it is recommended that you do not drink alcohol at all.

Try recording how much you are drinking over a week using a diary or alcohol tracker. Drinkaware provide assessment tools that you can use to track the amount you are drinking: https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/tools

  • Support for your drinking

If you are worried about how much you, or someone you know, are drinking you can get support by visiting: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/alcohol-support/

£400 million of new funding to support Scotland through Covid-19

New funding of £800 million is being guaranteed for the devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to support people, businesses and public services with the ongoing impact of Covid-19.

Yesterday’s announcement increases the UK Government’s unprecedented upfront guarantee this year to at least £16.8 billion on top of funding outlined in Spring Budget 2020.

This funding can be spent on priorities such as the NHS and business support.

This means a further £400 million for the Scottish Government, £200 million for the Welsh Government and £200 million for the Northern Ireland Executive.

Any changes to devolved funding are normally confirmed towards the end of the financial year – but in July the UK Government introduced an unprecedented guarantee to provide them with funding certainty to respond to Covid-19.

Wednesday’s announcement ensures that all parts of the UK can continue their response to Covid-19 through the winter months.

The Chief Secretary to the Treasury Steve Barclay MP said: “We’ve already committed unprecedented levels of support to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

“This extra funding will provide the nations with the certainty they need to plan through these difficult months.

“We remain committed to an economic recovery for the whole of the United Kingdom and will continue to work closely with the devolved administrations to support people and businesses.”

Scottish Secretary, Alister Jack said: The UK Government is committed to supporting people in all parts of the UK during this difficult time which is why today we have given £400 million extra to the Scottish Government for their Covid-19 response. This brings our total additional Covid-19 support to Scotland to £8.6 billion since Spring Budget 2020.

“This is on top of direct UK Government Covid-19 support to people and businesses in Scotland, including the furlough and self-employment schemes, business loans, VAT cuts for the hardest hit sectors and investing billions in our Plan for Jobs and our welfare safety net.

“The UK Government is also providing the bulk of Covid-19 testing in Scotland and we invested £6 billion to ensure we were the first country in the world to roll out the first vaccine.

“The strength of the Union and support offered by the UK Treasury has never been more important. Together, we will continue to get through these challenging times.”

People and businesses in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will also continue to benefit from the UK Government’s unprecedented £280 billion UK-wide economic response package.

This includes schemes such as the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme and the Bounce Back Loan Scheme providing billions in support to businesses across the three regions.

Alongside this, millions of jobs in the three regions continue to be supported through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme.

Singing the Praises of Carers

VOCAL are delighted to have a special performance by the Phoenix Choir, Edinburgh to spread our message that Carers Are Stars!

They have produced a beautiful rendition of I Love Your Smile , introduced by VOCAL Chief Executive, Sebastian Fischer.

We are delighted to share this seasonal treat with all our carers, partners, volunteers and supporters across Edinburgh and Midlothian.

View the video on our webpage here or directly on Vimeo.

To donate to VOCAL’s work with carers, please go to our Carers Are Stars! JustGiving campaign.  Thank you.

Wishing you all a peaceful Christmas and New Year, from everyone at VOCAL.

Sprouts named Britain’s favourite Christmas veg for 2020!

Just when you think 2020 can’t get any stranger, a new survey has named brussel sprouts as the nation’s favourite vegetable for Christmas dinner – https://www.matalan.co.uk/christmas/christmas-day-plan

Matalan surveyed over 2,000 Brits to find out how we’re spending Christmas in 2020, looking at everything from what we’ll be wearing to what we’ll be eating. And according to their findings, the often-hated brussel sprout is the most popular vegetable for 2020, and the 5th most popular trimming overall.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the roast potato came out on top, with 65% of Brits saying their Christmas dinner would be incomplete without them, followed by gravy with 59%.

And in keeping with this weird year, 5% of Brits will be having tomato ketchup on their Christmas dinner this year!

Turkey remains the most popular meat, with 47% of Brits opting for this, followed by roast beef with 18%. Vegetarian and vegan options saw a drop in popularity this year, with a combined total of just 12%.

Finally, Matalan found that most Brits will be sitting down for their Christmas dinner between 2pm and 3pm, after speaking with family and friends over video call at 11am and cracking open the bubbly at 12pm!

Head over to the Matalan website to find out more, including what Brits will wearing for Christmas day (we’ll give you a hint, it’s comfy!) – https://www.matalan.co.uk/christmas/christmas-day-plan

ELREC: Thank You & Best Wishes

Dear Friends,

Another quarter in lockdown but I am very hopeful that it will be over soon enough. I think most of us have learnt and adapted to the situation well, but I also know it has been even hard for many. But I want to just remind us all that we are in this together and will get through it together and end up better and even more resilient than before.

As you already know many organisations, businesses and our usual way of life is still on hold in some ways however that does not mean we stop altogether. Online has become the new ‘norm’ although we can still video chat and see family online, its not the same as meeting them face to face.

ELREC has been very busy during this time with the current projects, Communities for Conservation, True Colours, Open Arms and Equalities Engagement. We have been doing much of our work online however our services continue to be open and operating in a socially distanced way.

Our Covid projects, equally informed and Food support has been very busy and well established in the communities. The first provides translated information to various communities on Covid and the lockdown to ensure everyone has equal access to the information we all need to follow. We also offer food support every Friday to around 25-30 families who are in need during these difficult times.

Finally, I want to thank the staff and all the ELREC team and volunteers for their work and efforts especially with organising our online events and delivering the food support service.

Wishing you a happy festive season and best wishes for 2021.

Please find our newsletter here.

Yours faithfully,

Foysol Choudhury MBE

Chair of Edinburgh & Lothians Regional Equality Council

23 pieces of rubbish are dropped in the UK EVERY SECOND

New data shows 23 items of rubbish are dropped in the UK every second

Shocking data has revealed the true impact of the UK’s litter crisis, with cigarettes being the most irresponsibly disposed item.

Data found by Regatta and Keep Britain Tidy shows approximately 30% of litter in the UK is smoking-related, with a staggering 244 million cigarette butts discarded as litter.

According to Keep Britain Tidy, which exists to try to eliminate litter and end waste, two million pieces of rubbish are dropped every day across the country. This means that 23 items of rubbish are dropped every second on average.

“Due to the impact of the Coronavirus, more people than ever have gone out on walks and to explore their local green spaces. The amount of litter dropped by visitors saw local people become frustrated on social media as day-trippers left piles of rubbish lying around instead of taking it home with them,” says a spokesperson for Regatta.

However, this rubbish isn’t just ruining some of the best landscapes in the UK – it’s also having a serious impact on people and the environment.

Keep Britain Tidy recently revealed that street cleaning costs taxpayers more than £1 billion every year, showing the litter crisis isn’t just costing the planet anymore, but the public too.

Meanwhile, RSPCA announced recently they receive an average of 14 calls a day about wildlife harmed by litter, and the organisation suggests that the actual number of animals affected by rubbish is likely to be much higher.

“We all enjoy the great outdoors, and more recently with lockdown easing, people have been admiring all the UK has to offer more than ever.

“We hoped that comparing the litter crisis to one of the UK’s most loved and respected landscapes, we’d be able to encourage others to be mindful of littering and to get involved with a local clean-up event,” a spokesperson for Regatta continued.

UK hit with South African variant of coronavirus

UK Health Minister Matt Hancock has released details of another mutation of the coronavirus. Two cases of the variant, which is linked to South Africa, have now been reported in the UK.

Scotland has introduced further controls on travellers to and from South Africa with immediate effect.

Mr Hancock told yesterday’s Downing Street press conference: “I want to tell you about developments on another new strain of this virus.

“Of course, the fight against this virus is a global effort. And we are constantly vigilant and looking around the world.

As part of our surveillance, and thanks to the impressive genomic capability of the South Africans, we have detected 2 cases of another new variant of coronavirus here in the UK.

“Both are contacts of cases who have travelled from South Africa over the past few weeks.

“The Chief Scientific Advisor and Chief Medical Officer and others met their South African counterparts over the last day.

“We are incredibly grateful to the South African Government for the rigour of their science, and the openness and the transparency with which they have rightly acted, as we did when we discovered the new variant here.

“This new variant is highly concerning, because it is yet more transmissible and it appeared to have mutated further than the new variant that has been discovered here.

“We have taken the following action.

“First, we are quarantining cases, and close contacts of cases, found here in the UK.

“Second, we are placing immediate restrictions on travel from South Africa.

“Finally, and most importantly, anyone in the UK who has been in South Africa in the past fortnight, and anyone who has been in close contact with anyone who has been in South Africa in the last fortnight, must quarantine immediately.

“By quarantine, I mean they must restrict all contact with any other person whatsoever.

“We will be changing the law to give this legal effect imminently.

“These measures are temporary, while we investigate this further new strain, which is currently being analysed at Porton Down.

“And I want to thank everyone involved for the seriousness with which I know they will take these instructions.”

Scottish Ministers have agreed on the basis of advice from senior clinical advisers to introduce further controls on travellers who have been in South Africa in the previous 10 days.

Regulations will require all UK nationals or residents returning to Scotland from South Africa to isolate for 10 days. This will apply to both the individual traveller and their household. Unlike travel into Scotland from other countries, there will be no exemptions to this quarantine policy.

All measures relating to South Africa will be reviewed in light of emerging evidence on the public health risks.

Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity Michael Matheson said: “These steps are a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of a variant strain of coronavirus which has been detected in South Africa, which we are still in the early stages of learning about, to Scotland.

“This decision has been taken on clinical advice to help further safeguard public health and keep communities safe.”

Scotland’s Chief Medical Officer Dr Gregor Smith said: “A mutated strain of the virus has been detected in South Africa with greater transmissibility between humans and it is appropriate that we err on the side of caution.

“We do not want to see transmission of this strain in this country and it is imperative that anybody who has recently travelled from South Africa, and their household, should self-isolate for 10 days and follow the guidance laid out by the Scottish Government. If needed, they should contact NHS 24.”

Work will also be undertaken to contact individuals who have recently arrived in the country from South Africa in the last 10 days who may have had a sectoral exemption to encourage them and their households of the need to isolate.