As at 5th July, 4,173 deaths have been registered in Scotland where the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) was mentioned on the death certificate, an increase of 17 deaths from the previous week, according to statistics published by National Records of Scotland.
From 29th June to 5th July, 40 fewer deaths from all causes were registered compared with the average number for this time of year. This is the second week in a row the total number of deaths registered has been lower than the average.
New analysis of deaths registered up to 14th June shows that deaths among people from the South Asian ethnic group were almost twice as likely to involve COVID-19 than deaths in the White ethnic group, after accounting for age group, sex, area deprivation and urban/rural classification.
Pete Whitehouse, Director of Statistical Services, said: “For the first time, we have produced additional analysis on deaths involving COVID-19 by ethnic group and the findings show that over the course of the pandemic to date, COVID-19 was a more common cause of death for people in the South Asian ethnic group, compared to people in the White ethnic group.
“Every death from this virus is a tragedy and these statistics represent the heartbreak of many families across the country who have lost loved ones.
“Understanding the impact of how the virus differs by ethnic group is vitally important; however, due to the low number of completed records for deaths involving COVID-19 in other minority ethnic groups, it is not possible to produce statistics for these groups.
NRS will continue to play our part and work alongside Public Health Scotland and the Scottish Government to provide robust information to help us understand the progression and impact of the virus.”
from the testimonies of Bruce Norval and Robert Mackie
Online release date: Wednesday July 15, 2020
The UK Government’s Infected Blood Inquiry began public hearings in April 2019, five years after Dogstar opened Factor 9, Hamish MacDonald’s play about the scandal, as part of the Umeå 2014 European Capital of Culture in Sweden.
The Inquiry continues and Factor 9 remains as relevant now as when it opened. Indeed, some of those at the heart of the 35-year campaign for justice cite Factor 9 as a significant influencer towards the granting of the public inquiry.
Dogstar Theatre Online will release our production with Vimeo on Demand on Wednesday July 15, adding to our current online offer The Tailor of Inverness and Brian Ross and Hopscotch Films’ outstanding documentary Circling A Fox.
The infected blood scandal is now recognised as the greatest healthcare disaster in the history of the NHS. Factor 9 has been seen by health ministers and other leading politicians in both the Scottish and Westminster governments, and by all leading members of the inquiry, including its chairman, Sir Brian Langstaff.
There is an uncounted legion of victims across the world. Official figures in the UK cite around 5,000 people who were infected with HIV and Hepatitis through the administration of contaminated blood products during the 1970s and 80s.
Half of this number are now dead as a result and new deaths occur every month. There are no figures for the infection of spouses, children, and other relatives.
The multi-media performance tells the true story of two Scottish haemophiliacs, Bruce Norval from Inverness and Rab Mackie from the Scottish Borders, and how their lives were devastated from an early age by NHS-prescribed blood clotting products.
With tremendous performances by Matthew Zajac (Bruce) and Stewart Porter (Rab), Factor 9confronts how society can react towards its most vulnerable in the moment of a pandemic – and what can happen in the name of medical research.
In the enclosed world of the abandoned ward, a decades-long struggle with government and health authorities for recognition and truth unfolds, taking an uncompromising journey from the 1940s Nazi military-industrial complex to the 1960s Arkansas prison system via the 1980s AIDS crisis to the haemophilia clinics of Scotland, asking, how could this happen?
Director Ben Harrison said “When Hamish and Matthew approached me with the subject, I saw a great opportunity to uncover theatrically a great scandal.
“We hoped to achieve a similar balance between the visually compelling and the emotionally powerful that Matthew and I achieved with TheTailor of Inverness. The betrayal of the principle of care that lies at the heart of the story will I am sure both touch and anger audiences.”
Composer/sound designer Pippa Murphy, set and costumes Emily James, lighting Paul Claydon
The 2014 production was supported by Creative Scotland and produced in association with leading Swedish theatre company Profilteatern and Umea 2014 European Capital of Culture.
Ocean Terminal shopping centre will re-open tomorrow (Monday 13 July) with measures in place to welcome back shoppers both warmly and safely.
Home to leading brands, including Superdry, French Connection, Waterstones and M&S Simply Food, the entire centre situated in the heart of Leith has undergone a deep clean before re-opening, with signage and directional walkways set up to help shoppers maintain social distancing throughout its spacious malls.
Hand sanitiser stations and a continuous cleaning operation have been established.
Customer service ‘ambassadors’ will also be available to help guide shoppers and offer reassurance.
In a phased re-opening to allow the 420,000 sq ft centre to get back to normal in a calm and well-managed way, the vast majority of stores including some food outlets will be open on 13 July, with leisure and restaurants following when safely able to do so.
Hairdressers Charlie Miller, opening on 15 July, will be operating a 12-hour day to accommodate all clients and will have a variety of measures in place within the salon to ensure the safety of both client and stylist.
The Royal Yacht Britannia will re-open on Monday 27th July with an online booking system. Hygiene measures will be of a royal standard, allowing the whole family to create treasured memories together exploring the five decks of the ship.
Inline with government guidelines the centre’s leisure facilities, the Farmer’s Market and Car Boot Sale will all open again in the next few weeks.
As additional businesses reopen, customers will be kept up to date via the centre’s social channels and website.
Michelle MacLeod said: “We have had amazing support from our stores and the local community over the lockdown and it is our intention that we re-open in a calm but thorough, well-thought out way to keep our shoppers and our colleagues safe.
“We have the advantage of having a great deal of space at Ocean Terminal, and if customers are anxious, we will have staff trained to help.
“We have been liaising closely with all our stores, cafes, restaurants and attractions and we’re confident that all our customers will receive a warm and safe welcome back. It is certainly good to feel that some normality is returning, and we have worked hard to ensure the re-opening is done in the right way to protect our community.”
Ocean Terminal was recently acquired by ICG Real Estate and its Scottish partner Ambassador Group, who have pledged to invest £10m in upgrades and developments at the centre.
Taking a community focused approach to meeting the needs of the expanding residential and commercial areas across Leith, new plans include the introduction of residential, office and amenity space.
Users of Edinburgh’s bike hire scheme can benefit from a four-month pass for the price of less than one, as part of an offer launching tomorrow (Monday 13 July).
People have been able to try out the bikes for free since 29 June under an initiative giving riders their first 30 minutes of use at no cost, encouraging the public to give cycling a go. Since then more than 2000 free passes have been redeemed.
The second phase of the deal aims to promote long-term use of the bikes by providing a limited number of four-month passes for just £10. The ‘Back to Work pass’ replaces the existing 30 minutes free offer to support people to consider alternatives to private car use while managing demand for public transport as they return to work.
This has been made possible by funding from Transport Scotland through the Smarter Choices, Smarter Places programme.
Since the beginning of lockdown there has been a significant increase in cycling, with numbers up by 16% across the city’s bike counters, while the bike hire scheme experienced its most successful day yet.
To help people cycle and walk safely while observing physical distancing as lockdown restrictions are eased, we’re in the process of introducing temporary changes across the city, from road closures to temporary cycle lanes.
Transport and Environment Convener Councillor Lesley Macinnes (above) said: “We’re delighted to be able extend our offer to help more people benefit from our hire bikes for longer.
“As we begin to return to some sense of normality, and as residents go back to work, more people will need to travel, and this will provide an affordable alternative to private cars while reducing pressure on public transport.
“There’s been a real surge in cycling over recent months, and we want to see this continue, benefiting the environment and the public’s health. That’s why we’re delivering improvements across the city that will make cycling and walking even easier and safer as lockdown is lifted.”
George Lowder, Transport for Edinburgh Chief Executive, said: “Transport for Edinburgh are delighted that Transport Scotland have provided funding, to allow access to the Edinburgh Cycle Scheme, to provide experience of a car free alternative commute, as we begin to return to work.
Alex Macdonald, General Manager of Edinburgh Cycle Hire, said: “It’s fantastic to see so many people trying the scheme for the first time thanks to the promotion.
“Cycle hire schemes offer users the chance to try cycling without investing in a bike or e-bike of their own, and are therefore a crucial gateway to convert people into regular cyclists.
“It is my hope that our new users continue to discover the benefits of city cycling and incorporate the scheme into their daily routines. Our recent usage figures show that more people have taken to cycling during the pandemic and to meet this demand we have invested operationally across the scheme to the benefit of new and existing users”.
In June, both Edinburgh and Glasgow launched free cycle share initiatives, made possible with funding from Transport Scotland through the Smarter Choices, Smarter Places programme, managed by charity Paths for All (see below).
Similarly to an annual pass, the £10 ‘Back to Work pass’ lets users hire a pedal bike for up to an hour at time, with per-minute charges after an hour, and removes the unlock fee on e-bikes. This will be available as the ‘Back to Work Pass’ option on the Just Eat Cycle app from 7am on Monday, 13 June.
The cycle share initiative came into effect last month through Scottish Government funding as part of Phase 2, when more COVID-19 restrictions were lifted, easing pressure on public transport and helping those who don’t own a bike or have anywhere to store one.
More than 1,300 cycles located at nearly 200 bike stations were made available for free hire in Edinburgh and Glasgow for the first 30-minutes of every journey.
Bikes can play an increasingly important role in Scotland’s green recovery by providing an alternative to private car journeys, helping manage demand on public transport, as well as benefiting health and the environment.
In Edinburgh, the first 30 minutes of bike hire on pedal bikes will be free for the next 14 days. The usual per-minute charge is 10p. Access fees for e-bikes will also be free, although usage will incur the usual per-minute charge. Edinburgh also plans to release a new four-month discounted pass from July 13 to encourage long-term uptake of cycling.
The collaboration is being led by the charity CoMoUK which promotes the use of shared transport, and is funded by Transport Scotland through the Smarter Choices, Smarter Places programme managed by the charity Paths for All.
The scheme is in partnership with Glasgow City Council, Transport for Edinburgh, and bike share operators nextbike in Glasgow and Serco in Edinburgh.
In Edinburgh, over 500 ‘Just Eat’ bikes are available for hire, with 107 stations across the capital.
Both cities have created more cycle lane space in response to the coronavirus pandemic through Scottish Government funding, and bike share operators are undertaking enhanced cleaning regimes, regularly cleaning handlebars and keypads.
The free trips will be available to anyone, for any type of journey, and can be used for exercise, shopping and commuting to work. Bikes can be hired on a ‘pay as you go’ basis or by subscription, with registration via app or website.
As more lockdown restrictions are eased, analysis shows that up to 55 per cent of employees could be travelling to their normal workplace, a rise from 30 per cent in full lockdown. That could result in an increase in the number of passengers on public transport by around by a third from current levels of 225,000 per day.
Transport Scotland continues to ask people to stay local where possible and to walk, wheel or cycle in order to manage demand on the public transport network and to protect our environment.
Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity Michael Matheson said:“I’m pleased we can offer free access to bikes in Glasgow and Edinburgh through our support of the Smarter Choices Smarter Places programme.
“We’ve seen increased rates of cycling and increased use of our public hire bicycle schemes across the lockdown period and this offer will help maintain this shift in travel behaviour at a critical time in our COVID-19 response.
“By offering free 30-minute trips, in conjunction with temporary infrastructure in Glasgow and Edinburgh, we can greatly incentivise more sustainable everyday journeys in Phases 2 and 3 of the Scottish Government route map.
“For people in our two biggest cities, this initiative will benefit our health, our environment and will help to manage demand on our public transport network.”
Lorna Finlayson, Scotland director of CoMoUK, said:“Investment in cycling capacity and infrastructure is vitally important, however we want to make sure that everyone, from all walks of life, can benefit.
“As bike share is accessible, affordable and flexible it can play an increasingly important role in Scotland’s green recovery by providing an alternative to private car journeys and helping to ease pressure on public transport.”
Councillor Anna Richardson, Glasgow City Council convener for sustainability and carbon reduction, said:“This free hire initiative will help to encourage people who perhaps haven’t considered cycling before to give it a try.
“Having 30 minutes of free travel every time will let people see for themselves that it’s a convenient, healthy and environmentally positive way to travel around our city centre and neighbourhoods.
“We’ve recently seen the popularity of cycling swell, and as lockdown restrictions are relaxed we’re keen to maintain this mode of travel as an attractive, safe, long-term transport choice for everyday journeys.”
Councillor Lesley Macinnes, City of Edinburgh Council transport and environment convener, said: “We’re delighted to be able to offer free trips on our hire bikes.
“More and more people are making healthy, sustainable choices about how they travel around our capital city and this substantial offer will make it even easier and more attractive for more people enjoy cycling, including by e-bikes.
“Use of the cycle hire scheme has leapt in Edinburgh over recent months, along with cycling in general, which is very good news for the city and our residents.
“We’re implementing significant changes across the city to help people walk and cycle safely while observing physical distancing. Our additional offer of a discounted four-month bike hire membership will help many more people take advantage of these improvements as we emerge from lockdown.”
Ian Findlay CBE, chief officer at Paths for All, said:“Having Scotland’s two largest cities running an initiative like this at the sametime is hugely significant and sends a very clear message about the importance of a green recovery.
“It’s also the largest public bike hire scheme that our Smarter Choices, Smarter Places programme has ever supported so we hope as many people as possible will take advantage of this project and realise the many benefits of active travel.”
Transport Scotland continues to ask people to stay local where possible and to walk, wheel or cycle in order to manage demand on the public transport network and to protect our environment.
Police Scotland has launched its annual campaign to ensure the safety of motorcyclists using Scotland’s roads with a weekend of action across the country.
Motorcyclists are among the most vulnerable road users and while they make up just one per cent of the traffic on our roads they account for around 13 per cent of fatalities.
Police Scotland is committed to improving road safety through targeted campaign activity to raise awareness of the risks to vulnerable road users.
During the summer months, increased focus is given to motorcycle safety as larger numbers of motorcyclists take their bikes out to take advantage of the good weather.
As such, Road Policing Officers are urging motorists to be extra vigilant for motorcycles during their journeys and ensure they give sufficient room when following or overtaking bikers.
Similarly, drivers are reminded to continually check for motorcycles when moving off, or emerging from junctions.
Riders also have an important role to play in ensuring their own safety by travelling at an appropriate speed for the road, weather and traffic conditions, wearing high-visibility clothing and always wearing a helmet and other appropriate attire.
In previous years, officers would hold engagement events at various locations for motorcycle riders. However, due to the current physical distancing guidelines, such large-scale events are not possible at this time.
Anyone wishing to obtain information on how they can stay safe on Scotland’s roads should access the road safety information and guidance available on the Police Scotland or Road Safety Scotland websites.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1281597838808555520
Superintendent Simon Bradshaw from Police Scotland’s Road Policing Division, said: “As we have seen in the past few weeks, Scotland has experienced some glorious weather, and similar dry and sunny spells are expected throughout the rest of the summer.
“This means that increased traffic on our roads is likely, including a larger number of motorcyclists.
“With that in mind, it is essential that all drivers are mindful of other road users and pay particular attention for motorbikes. Likewise, they must ensure their behaviour behind the wheel does not put riders, or anyone else, at risk.
“Motorcyclists must also play their part in keeping themselves safe and I would urge motorcyclists to always ride responsibly, ensuring they wear all the necessary safety clothing and travel at safe speeds, appropriate to the conditions they face.
“Road Policing Officers will continue to monitor the road network across the country and any offences we observe will be dealt with appropriately, be it educating drivers and riders or taking enforcement action.
“Please help us in our efforts to reduce road casualties and fatalities by taking all relevant safety precautions when driving or riding. If you would like advice and guidance on how to stay safe on Scotland’s roads then please visit our website at www.scotland.police.uk or Road Safety Scotland at https://roadsafety.scot “
People in hospital who do not have coronavirus (COVID-19) will be able to have a designated visitor from tomorrow, Monday 13 July.
Until now, hospital visits during the pandemic have only been permitted in limited essential circumstances. These include where a patient is reaching end-of-life, where a patient needs a birthing partner to be present or where people with mental health issues would be caused distress if they didn’t receive the benefit of a visit.
In the first phase of this three part plan, hospital visitors will need to adhere to strict public health guidance to ensure patient, staff and visitor safety, and to protect progress made in suppressing the spread of COVID-19.
All hospital visitors must:
arrange a time to visit in advance with ward staff
not visit any other patient in the hospital
adhere to strict hand hygiene and face covering guidance
maintain strict physical distancing in communal areas of hospital
not visit anyone in hospital if they have symptoms suggestive of COVID-19
Specific visiting arrangements may vary between health boards depending on the type of care patients are receiving, and the space available in different care settings to maintain physical distancing.
Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said: “Restricting access to people in hospital has been necessary to keep patients and staff as safe as possible and it has helped us protect the capacity and resilience of NHS Scotland.
“I want to thank everyone who has followed this guidance as I know how hard it has been for patients, families and carers not to have seen their loved ones in hospital. The continued progress we are making in suppressing the virus has allowed us to safely, and in a series of phases, resume hospital visiting in line with clinical expert advice.
“There is a need to balance the risk of physical and psychological harm that the absence of visitors can cause, with the gradual reduction of COVID-19. We have worked with Health Protection Scotland to plan how we safely restore a person-centered approach to visiting in Scotland’s hospitals.
“The safety of patients, staff and visitors will continue to be our priority. I want to reassure you that we are taking these precautions so that we can safely offer the right care, at the right time, in the right place.”
Updated guidance for hospital visitors can be read online.
Essential hospital visiting is permitted for patients with COVID-19. Essential visits includes circumstances such as, but not limited to, visits at end-of-life, birthing partners, to accompany children, and to visit people with mental health issues such as dementia, learning disabilities or autism where not having a visit would cause distress.
Updates on public health advice for COVID-19 can be found on NHS Inform, and a free helpline has been set up for those who do not have symptoms but are looking for general health advice: 0800 028 2816. If patients have any concerns they should contact 999 for emergencies or 111 for any urgent requests.
Anyone who has symptoms of COVID-19 should now contact the NHS to arrange to be tested – either online at NHS Inform, or by calling 0800 028 2816.
Guidance published to ensure safe return for salons
Hairdressers and barbers are preparing to re-open on Wednesday 15 July under the Scottish Government’s route map out of lockdown.
New guidance has been published to ensure salons can safely re-open.
The guidance also covers services such as beauty salons, spas, indoor photography studios and make-up counters which have been given an indicative opening date of 22 July.
Key measures include:
physical distancing with marked areas between seats and treatment stations
perspex screens installed at workstations, including reception areas if possible
bookings by appointment only with times staggered to minimise overlap of clients
the retention of customer details for four weeks to share details for Test and Protect if required
face coverings mandatory for staff and customers with visors recommended for staff
reading materials and refreshments removed other than water on request
Minister for Business, Fair Work and Skills Jamie Hepburn said: “The re-opening of hairdressers and barbers next week signals a further step out of lockdown for our economy and shows that we continue to make progress in successfully suppressing coronavirus (COVID-19).
“If everyone sticks to the rules we will be able to drive the virus down further and live less restricted lives in the weeks and months ahead.
“Our guidance, developed in partnership with employers, industry bodies and trades unions, provides the information these businesses need to ensure the safety of staff and customers as they re-open.
“People should look for those safety measures and be aware of the need to follow the FACTS at all times when out in the community. If you don’t see those safety measures, or you don’t feel you can follow appropriate hygiene rules, than don’t take the risk.
“We are providing grant support worth over £1 billion to businesses as part of a wider support package worth over £2.3 billion and we will continue to do all we can to support this vital sector.”
Hilary Hall, chief executive of the National Hair and Beauty Federation, said: “The Scottish hair and beauty industry generates a turnover of over £600 million, which is 8% of the UK total.
“As well as the economic contribution, this sector is also imperative to our well-being and so we are delighted that hairdressers and barbers will be able to return to work on 15 July.
“Protecting clients and employees is their top priority so our members have already been preparing their salons to make them safe to re-open. They are reporting that they are fully booked for the near future which is positive news and should mean that businesses can recover and grow from the pandemic.”
Police Scotland has charged seven people following the recovery of Class A drugs with a combined street value of £50,000 in Edinburgh.
Officers carried out search warrants at four addresses on Moredunvale Bank on Thursday as part of an intelligence-led operation. Heroin and cocaine were seized from the properties.
Five men, aged 23 to 56, and two women, aged 33 and 37, are due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday, 13 July, in connection with this.
Detective Inspector Bob Campbell, of Gayfield Pro-active CID, said: “This enforcement action was carried out following an intelligence-led operation and tackling serious and organised crime remains a priority to us.
“We will proactively pursue anyone who is exploiting vulnerable people and importing drugs into our communities for their own illicit gain, but we can’t tackle this alone.
“The public continue to play a vital role in assisting investigations into drug crime and I would encourage anyone who believes an individual or property within their community may be being exploited for criminal purposes to contact Police Scotland.
“If you have any concerns about drugs, or have information about those involved in drugs, you can contact police on 101 or make an anonymous report to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
TWENTY-SEVEN of Scotland’s most influential public and third-sector organisations have jointly called for the country to “walk back better” as society reshapes following Covid-19.
