Tourism Secretary slams ‘irresponsible behaviour’

Rural Economy and Tourism Secretary Fergus Ewing is urging people to stop travelling to the Highlands and Islands in a bid to avoid the Coronavirus.

People with second homes and campervans have been reportedly travelling in large numbers to the area in recent days.

Mr Ewing said: “I am furious at the reckless and irresponsible behaviour of some people travelling to the Highland and Islands. This has to stop now. Let me be crystal clear, people should not be travelling to rural and island communities full stop. They are endangering lives. Do not travel.

“Panic buying will have a devastating impact on the livelihoods of rural shops and potentially puts unwanted pressure on NHS services in our rural communities.

“The Scottish Government’s advice is that essential travel only should be undertaken. We have been in touch with CalMac and industry leaders to discuss what further measures may be required to deal with this issue.”

Major new measures to protect those at highest risk

  • Government urges up to 1.5 million people in England who face the highest risk of being hospitalised by the virus to shield themselves and stay at home
  • People with specific underlying health conditions, including some being treated for cancer, will be contacted by the NHS this week
  • Plans also unveiled to deliver groceries and medicines for those most at risk from the virus where needed

Up to 1.5 million people in England identified by the NHS as being at higher risk of severe illness if they contract coronavirus should stay at home to protect themselves, the Government urged today.

They will receive communication shortly with detailed advice on behalf of their GP practice or specialist on how best to protect themselves.

A raft of new measures, including a helpline for the most in need of support, have been set out for those considered to be extremely vulnerable due to their medical conditions, so people know exactly how to care for themselves and others in the coming months.

It was also announced that a new Local Support System will make sure those individuals self-isolating at home and who are without a support network of friends and family will receive basic groceries. Community pharmacies will support those who need help getting their medicines delivered.

The Government is working with a partnership of the groceries industry, local government, local resilience and emergency partners, and voluntary groups, to ensure that essential items can start to be delivered as soon as possible to those who need it. The people identified as the most vulnerable in their communities will be contacted directly – including in person where necessary – as a priority.

Members of the armed forces, already in local communities helping Local Resilience Forums and local councils on their coronavirus response plans, will support this effort and are at the heart of local planning in response to this crisis.

Communities Secretary Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP said: “Public safety and making sure that those most at risk from the virus continue to get the support they need throughout this period is the Government’s top priority. People should stay at home, protect our NHS and save lives.

“This will be an especially worrying time for those with serious underlying health conditions and that is why we are urgently acting to ensure extremely vulnerable individuals are taking extra steps to shield themselves, and that the essential items they need are supplied to them.

“We will ensure that vulnerable and older people in our society are left in no doubt of their importance to us and our determination to protect them as best we can. More people will be required to be by themselves at home. While they are on their own, let’s guarantee that they are never alone.”

Up to 1.5 million people in England currently live with conditions, or are taking medication or receiving treatment, which health experts have identified puts them at a much greater risk of developing serious complications if they get the virus, which may mean they need hospital treatment.

This includes, for example, those who have received organ transplants, are living with severe respiratory conditions such as cystic fibrosis and severe chronic bronchitis (COPD) or specific cancers like of the blood or bone marrow.

And some – though not all – of those receiving certain types of drug treatments including ones which suppress the immune system – leaving the body less able to fight off the virus.

People identified as belonging to one or more of the at-risk groups will be contacted by their GP practice, specialist or both strongly advising them to stay at home for a period of at least 12 weeks.

In the first instance they will receive a letter this week and, where mobile number is known, the NHS will also send frequent text messages shortly to those in this group, to reach the most at risk as quickly as possible with advice.

These communications will set out to reassure them that their ongoing medical needs will be met by the NHS, and contain advice and guidance on how to manage their condition while self-isolating, including getting prescriptions delivered and accessing support for daily living.

For the individuals most at risk of the illness, these actions will save lives.

Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock said: “We are working incredibly hard, day and night, to protect the nation’s public health whilst supporting our NHS so it can continue to look after patients in need of care.

“It is vital that we do everything we can to protect ourselves, our families and our friends from being impacted by the virus. But for those who are at the highest risk in our society, we have to do even more to ensure they’re kept safe.

“Whether it’s going shopping for a neighbour in need, or keeping inside if you know you’re at risk, we all have a part to play in protecting the welfare of those who are most vulnerable.”

Dr Paul Johnstone, Director at Public Health England, said: “The NHS are contacting the people who are most vulnerable to developing a very serious illness as a result of COVID-19 with specific advice to stay at home for at least 12 weeks.

“If you receive a letter it is vitally important that you act on it for your own protection, don’t attend any gatherings of friends or families and don’t go out for shopping, leisure or travel.

“Those of us who are less at risk can play our part in protecting other people by following the government’s advice on social distancing and volunteering to give extra support to vulnerable people who are staying at home.

The guidance for people at the highest risk is:

  • Strictly avoid contact with someone who is displaying symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19). These symptoms include high temperature and/or new and continuous cough;
  • Do not leave your house for at least 12 weeks starting on Monday 22 March.
  • Do not attend any gatherings. This includes gatherings of friends and families in private spaces e.g. family homes, weddings, parties and religious services.
  • Do not go out for shopping, leisure or travel and, when arranging food or medication deliveries, these should be left at the door to minimise contact.
  • Keep in touch using remote technology such as phone, internet, and social media.
  • Do use telephone or online services to contact your GP practice or other essential services as and when you need.

NB: This information affects the NHS England area – expect similar advice from NHS Scotland soon.

USDAW calls for key worker clarity

Shopworkers’ trade union Usdaw continues to seek assurances from the Scottish Government that retail and pharmaceutical workers are covered by the key worker provisions.

Yesterday Usdaw and the Scottish Retail Consortium made a joint plea to John Swinney MSP, Deputy First Minister of Scotland and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills: https://www.usdaw.org.uk/About-Us/News/2020/Mar/SRC-and-Usdaw-jointly-call-on-the-Scottish-Governm

Following the Scottish Government announcement of their key worker scheme, Stewart Forrest – Usdaw’s Scottish Divisional Officer has again written to the Minister saying: “I note that in the guidance published by the Scottish Government this afternoon, Category 2 workers include ‘those supporting our Critical National Infrastructure’.

“Food, including retail, supply and production is defined elsewhere by the Scottish Government as part of Critical National Infrastructure and therefore we are seeking urgent confirmation that these workers should be included in Category 2 of the key worker definition. We would also expect our members working the pharmaceutical supply chain to be included in this category.

“Could you provide clarity on this for our members and for the local authorities at the earliest opportunity, so that the supply of food and medicine in Scotland is not disrupted.”

Earlier this week USDAW issued an appeal for public support: 

Retail workers will play an essential role in getting the country through this crisis and they need your support. Here are some things that everyone can do to help:

  • We understand that it can be frustrating when shops are very busy, or you can’t get the items you want, but it is never acceptable to take this out on shopworkers or delivery drivers. It isn’t their fault, and they are doing the very best they can. Please treat our members with the courtesy and respect that they deserve. 
  • Please only buy what you need. Where supermarkets are placing restrictions on items, this is to ensure that everyone can get the essentials that they need. There is enough for everyone, if we all show some consideration for others. 
  • Please take precautions to limit the risk of spreading infection to shopworkers and others. Wash your hands before you go shopping, maintain physical distance and try to pay using your contactless card if possible, rather than cash. If you are able to go shopping alone rather than bringing your family with you, or to shop on behalf of friends and neighbours, this would be a good idea too.
  • If you are using supermarket deliveries, make sure that you inform the company beforehand if you are self-isolating. Please be understanding of the measures that delivery drivers are taking to protect themselves and you, such as doorstep only deliveries.

We are working with employers to ensure that our members have the support they need to limit the spread of the virus as much as possible.  

Some of the measures we are calling for include paid time off for sickness and self-isolation, ensuring that staff are not penalised under any absence policies for time off, access to handwashing facilities, hand sanitiser wherever available, and clean workplaces.

We are also expecting employers to take appropriate security measures to keep workers safe. Any member with concerns should contact their Union rep for advice.

We would like to thank all of those customers who have been understanding, patient and supportive towards our members during what has been a stressful and difficult time.

We would also like to express our solidarity with the millions of health and social care workers, who are working hard and putting themselves on the front line every day to help us all.

Pub closures: Police comment

Chief Constable Iain Livingstone QPM said: “I fully support the instruction from the UK and Scottish Governments for public houses, cafes, restaurants and other entertainment venues to close.
“I would like to thank the overwhelming majority of people who are already complying for their assistance and co-operation.
“The response to coronavirus has been fast moving and I would urge everyone to do what they can to comply with the advice from government and the health service to keep people safe.
“You should also stay informed about developments and reflect on the implications of them on how you go about your lives during these difficult days.
“To be clear, no public houses or other entertainment venues should be opening for patrons until further notice.
“Our dedicated officers and staff are working round the clock to support the magnificent work of health professionals and wider society as we work collectively to protect our fellow citizens.
“I urge everyone to play their part in the national effort.
“We are aware of proposed legislation in relation to COVID-19 and are carefully monitoring its progress and considering what the implications for policing will be.
“In the meantime, those breaking the law will be dealt with appropriately to ensure the public is kept safe from risk and harm as we continue to police the country.
“I am grateful to all our officers and staff who continue to deliver an absolutely first class service in these challenging conditions for their continued dedication, hard work and support.
“We will continue to focus on public service and, by working together, we will come through this.”

Co-op to donate to donate £1.5m worth of food to FareShare

Convenience retailer Co-op has announced that from next week, it will be donating £1.5 million worth of food to FareShare, in a show of co-operation to help boost stocks, support local communities and those citizens who are struggling amid the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.

FareShare – the UK’s largest hunger fighting charity – supports over 11,000 charities and community groups, including food banks and Co-op has pledged £1.5 million of essential food products which will be split amongst FareShare’s 23 regional centres, and then supplied to a network of local community groups across the country.

Food banks have seen a significant drop in donations as the Coronavirus takes hold, but it is in these times of national crisis that they remain a lifeline for those who rely on the donations to feed their families. Demand is only set to grow as the number of people who unexpectedly find themselves out of work increases.

Jo Whitfield, CEO, Co-op Food, said: “The Co-op has a critical role to play in supporting our members, customers and colleagues, as well as the local communities that our stores sit at the heart of.

“Food banks have never been more important, so it makes sense that we provide support to help FareShare keep people fed and watered during this unprecedented time.

“Co-op already supports around 1,500 local community groups with our national food redistribution programme, Food Share, and we know that they are finding it tough at the moment, so I’m really pleased and proud we can provide FareShare directly with the essential products they need to help our communities.

“It’s a great example of us all cooperating and pulling together to help those most in need and I would ask everybody if they can, to contribute to a food bank near to them. Every tin, jar or carton makes a difference.”

Lindsay Boswell, CEO FareShare, said “At this time of huge uncertainty, we all need to pull together to help those most vulnerable and most affected by the issues caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

“The very generous support of £1.5 million worth of food from the Co-op will enable the FareShare network to maintain a continued vital food supply line into our charities over a prolonged period of ten weeks, providing great reassurance that there will be a baseload of food provided to the 11,000 charities and community groups that FareShare and our partners support every week across the UK.”

Co-op have also announced today they will be prioritising more vulnerable customers and those who care for them, during the hours of 8am to 9am Monday – Saturday /10am to 11am on Sundays. As a local convenience retailer, Co-op is uniquely positioned to serve these customers.

Jo Whitfield, CEO, Co-op Food said: “I would like to thank our customers for their ongoing support as we all pull together during these unprecedented times.

“We won’t close our Co-op to other customers during this hour, but I would ask for their understanding as we prioritise the needs of our most vulnerable customers and the amazing people who look after and care for them.”

Earlier this week the Co-op also announced measures to combat holiday hunger in pupils caused by unplanned school closures. 6,500 students across 25 Co-op Academy Schools who currently have free school meals, will be given a £20 voucher for every week that schools remain shut.

Inspiring Volunteer Awards: still time to nominate

Only 1 week to go until the Nominations deadline of 27 March
Nominations for this year’s Inspiring Volunteer Awards ceremony are closing soon …
This ceremony reflects the exceptional range of organisations and individuals working in the city’s vibrant charity and non-profit sectors.
The Rt. Hon Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh will honour some of the dedicated volunteers who give their time, energy and commitment to the people of Edinburgh at a special awards ceremony on Wednesday 3 June 2020 at the City Chambers.
If you know an individual, team or project that has exceeded expectations and deserves recognition, nominate them for an Inspiring Volunteer Award! Or check out the Ian McInnes Award or the one off 2020 Impact Award for something a little bit different and unique.
To nominate and for more information please visit voled.in/nominations
or contact me via email for any additional queries at events@volunteeredinburgh.org.uk
Jason McCann
Events Coordinator

Blue box collections binned

Residents self-isolating due to Coronavirus symptoms in their household are being urged to dispose of their waste as carefully as possible to keep Edinburgh’s bin crews safe.

The advice comes as part of an update from Transport and Environment Convener Lesley Macinnes on how the Council is adapting in the context of the pandemic to deliver core services such as waste management, roadworks and parking to keep the city working as best it can.

Another waste-related update is the suspension of kerbside glass (blue box) collections from Monday 23 March until further notice to free up collection crews. Communal glass bins used in flatted and tenement areas will continue to be serviced, but should only be used by those properties.

Cllr Macinnes, who went to visit a waste collection crew out and about emptying kerbside bins, said: “These are extraordinary and unprecedented circumstances and inevitably there’s already a strain on our ability to keep core services going at usual levels.

“We’re doing our very best, though, and we’re appealing to residents to bear with us as we adapt our resources to the fast-changing and increasingly challenging situation.

“We regret that we’ve had to suspend kerbside glass collections from next week onwards. If you don’t have any space to store them, please help us out by taking any glass bottles or jars to one of our Household Waste Recycling Centres if you’re able to, or offer to do the same for your neighbour. We are all in this together, so we’ll get through it together.

“If you or someone in your household is self isolating due to Coronavirus symptoms, please make sure you are scrupulous when putting out your waste so that our bin crews on the front line aren’t needlessly exposed to the virus.

“We’ve got clear guidance on our website on what to do, and we’ll keep our pages updated for residents to access the latest advice and service information.

“Having met three of our ‘frontline heroes’ in person while they collected bins in west Edinburgh, I’m so impressed by the dedication and commitment they and their colleagues are showing in this extremely challenging and uncertain time – huge thanks to them all, you’re doing Edinburgh proud.”

ADVICE FOR SAFE WASTE DISPOSAL

This advice is aimed at people with symptoms that may be caused by Coronavirus, and do not require hospital treatment, who must remain at home until they are well, and those living in households with someone who shows symptoms that may be caused by Coronavirus:

  • Personal waste (such as tissues) and disposable cleaning cloths should be stored securely in a disposable bag and then placed inside another bag
  • Tie it securely and keep it separate from other waste
  • Place it aside for 72 hours and then put it carefully in your grey/black non recyclable waste bin (grey wheelie bins or black-lidded communal waste bins)
  • Other household waste can be disposed of as normal
  • When cleaning you should use your usual household products, like detergents and bleach, as these will be very effective at getting rid of the virus on surfaces. Clean frequently touched surfaces such as door handles, handrails, remote controls and table tops. This is particularly important if you have an older or vulnerable person in the house.

INFO ON OTHER SERVICES

Parking 

Residents will be given a dispensation to park in Pay and Display spaces within their permit zones to make it as easy as possible to park near their homes while working from home or self isolating. The Council has also instructed its parking contractor to pay special attention to yellow lines and loading areas so that access for food and essential goods deliveries is protected.

Roadworks

Road defect repairs and capital resurfacing projects are proceeding as normal at present. The situation is being kept under review.

Public Transport

Edinburgh Trams and Lothian Buses are keeping their customers up to date with information and service changes online and via their social media channels. Both companies have announced that they are moving to a reduced service from Sunday (trams) and Monday (buses).

Cllr Macinnes added: “We fully support the actions Edinburgh Trams and Lothian Buses are taking given the hugely difficult circumstances we all find ourselves in and I welcome their commitment to providing vital public transport connections for residents who rely on their services.

Lothian: Reduced bus services from Sunday

Lothian will be reducing services from tomorrow (Sunday 22 March).

On Sunday 22 March, Airlink 100 services will be reduced to a 30-minute timetable during the day. There will be no nighttime Airlink 100 services. For a full timetable click here.

On Monday 23 March, Lothian bus services will be operating at a reduced service. We have updated our online timetables with these changes, so go to the Timetables section, choose your service and the day you’re looking to travel and you’ll get the correct departure times.

We have also updated our real-time bus departure system with the new timetables. From Sunday, live bus times will show on the Transport for Edinburgh app and this website which match the new timetables.

If you’re unsure how these changes will affect your journey, remember you can plan your journey using the Transport for Edinburgh app or this website. These will always have the most up-to-date schedules and service alerts, and we will be monitoring these each day to make sure you get accurate information quickly.

You should note that some other journey planners like Google Maps and Apple Maps may not show accurate journey times from Sunday. These systems will be updated as soon as possible, but please bear in mind that these systems are out of our control. In the meantime, the TFE app and the Lothian website remain the most up-to-date source for travel information.

Plan your journey

Check our timetables

Download the Transport for Edinburgh app

Nigel Serafini, Commercial Director at Lothian, said: “These are extraordinary circumstances we are operating in and teams from across our business are working tirelessly to put plans in place as to how best to deal with this fast-changing situation.

“While the priority of maintaining services is of paramount importance, as the situation develops, we now need to factor in the impact on staffing levels being experienced.

“By introducing a reduced service from Monday, we are aiming to ensure we can continue to provide vital links across the city for those who rely on our services. We would encourage customers to plan their journeys in advance using our mobile app or website and follow our social media channels for updates.”

The Lothian app offers journey planning tools and real-time service updates. Following a recent upgrade, it is also now available in 11 languages. It can be downloaded from tfeapp.com.

Marie Curie charity cancels all collections

Terminal illness charity, Marie Curie, has announced that all of its upcoming public collections in Edinburgh and West Lothian, and across the UK as part of its biggest annual appeal will be cancelled due to the current coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. 

The Great Daffodil Appeal, which runs throughout March, sees hundreds of volunteer collectors hitting high streets and supermarkets to hand out the charity’s iconic daffodil pins in exchange for donations.

                                                                                                                                                       The money raised from the Great Daffodil Appeal helps Marie Curie provide much-needed expert care to people with terminal illnesses, as well as support for their loved ones, helping them to make the most of the time they have together.

The appeal also helps the charity provide practical information and support, fund research and campaigns for more people to have access to high quality, personalised care wherever and whenever they need it.

With over 2,200 collections across the country cancelled with immediate effect, Marie Curie has estimated that it will lose £1 million from these vital collections alone – with further losses coming from many other cancelled fundraising activities and events. This will impact the charity’s work, which is going to be more important than ever over the coming months as the NHS focuses on the coronavirus.

In light of this, the charity is urgently asking people to get involved in the appeal via other ways to help its nurses, it’s hospice in Edinburgh and the West Lothian Community Palliative Care Service at St John’s Hospital to care for more people including donating online (mariecurie.org.uk/donate) or via text-to-donate (text DAFF to 70111 to donate £5*). 

Meredith Niles, Executive Director of Fundraising and Engagement at Marie Curie, said: “It is with great disappointment that we have decided to cancel all of our Great Daffodil Appeal public collections due to COVID-19 as well as a number of other fundraising events that were due to take place over the coming weeks and months – a decision which has not been taken lightly. 

“The health and safety of our dedicated volunteers and staff is of utmost importance. We are extremely grateful to the thousands of people who signed up to collect for us, without whom the Great Daffodil Appeal would not exist.

“Where possible, we hope to be able to re-schedule collections and events for later in the year, and would like to thank all our volunteers, supporters, corporate partners and staff for their ongoing support at this challenging time.”

If you, or someone you know, is affected by a terminal illness and concerned about coronavirus (COVID-19), our Support Line team are ready to help with the information you need when you need it.

Call free 0800 090 2309. You can also find more information on our website: mariecurie.org.uk/coronavirus