Tag: advice

How Statutory Sick Pay Works During Coronavirus Pandemic

LEADING legal firm Gilson Gray has issued helpful guidance for employers and employees looking for clarity on Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) as the COVID-19 pandemic begins to affect businesses of all sizes across the UK.

Graham Millar, Employment Law Partner at Gilson Gray, said while it is important to follow Government, Acas and NHS guidelines as the situation develops over the coming weeks, there are some clear steps that can be taken now to manage sickness-related issues.

Graham (above) said: “Employees can qualify for SSP when they are absent because of incapacity. If an employee is experiencing symptoms of the virus and decides to, or is advised to self-isolate, their absence will likely be regarded as an incapacity and they can avail of SSP.

“Recently, the regulations on SSP changed to include an employee who self-isolates in accordance with the Government guidelines. The Government also brought forward emergency legislation which makes SSP payable from the first day of absence.

“It’s good news for smaller companies as well – those with fewer than 250 employees will be reimbursed by the Government for any SSP paid for fourteen days for absences related to the virus.”

Further good news for employees and employers is that those who are advised to self-isolate can obtain a notification from the NHS through 111 which can be used as evidence of absence from work – removing some pressure from GP services.

If employers send staff home to self-isolate following Government guidance, employees will be entitled to SSP. This isn’t the case if employers are taking precautionary measures and insisting employees do not come to work – in this situation employees are entitled to normal pay.

Graham added: “If employees are concerned about coming to work due to COVID-19, allowing employees to work from home can easily resolve the issue. If this isn’t possible, employers will need to consider the current public health advice, including whether it might be discriminatory to refuse employees to work from home.

“It’s important to be mindful and consider employees’ concerns and fears during this turbulent time. As always, the normal rules on annual leave will apply and employees can take holidays during self-isolation or sickness absences, but they won’t be compelled by their bosses to do so.

“Anyone who is not on sick leave can take statutory annual leave, and employers can instruct employees to take statutory leave provided they have given employees the required level of notice – for example if you want someone to take five days’ holiday, you will need to give them ten days’ notice.”

A full version of this guidance is available on https://gilsongray.co.uk/insights/coronavirus-covid-19-qa-for-employers/

The Employment Team at Gilson Gray will continue to publish updates and information for employers and employees on its website News and Insights blog, https://gilsongray.co.uk/news-insights/

All of the teams at Gilson Gray are continuing to maintain the firm’s excellent, high quality service to clients, providing a full range of legal services throughout the pandemic.

 For more information on Gilson Gray and its services, please visit: http://gilsongray.co.uk/

Parent Club support for parents and families

Advice for parents and carers on managing the impact of Covid-19 on their child’s learning and family life is now available.

Following school closures, a new hub of information has been created on parentclub.scot covering health information, advice on how to talk about Covid-19 and ideas on helping children through this time.

In addition; councils and headteachers can also advise parents and carers on the continued provision of education and childcare for key workers.

Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: “This is the biggest challenge of our lives and my priority is to ensure the health and wellbeing of children and young people, and as far as possible, to minimise disruption to learning.

“My message for parents and carers is clear – you are not alone and we are here to help you. We do not expect you to be teachers or set up a classroom, but there are ways you can support your child or children at home which will help their continued wellbeing and learning.

“Our Parent Club website offers valuable tips for families on managing the impact of Covid-19 and ways to support children through this uncertain period.

“I would also highlight the excellent advice already provided by many organisations like Young Scot or Children 1st that talk directly to young people about their concerns.”

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.

Sales and evictions halted during COVID-19 outbreak

Accountant in Bankruptcy (AiB) has suspended sale and eviction from property in ongoing bankruptcy administrations until further notice in response to the current COVID-19 pandemic.

New measures and greater flexibility are also being introduced by AiB – Scotland’s insolvency service – to simplify procedures to help those seeking debt relief through bankruptcy, or need more time to pay their debts through the Debt Arrangement Scheme. This action will also help alleviate the administrative burden on frontline money advisers and insolvency practitioners.

AiB deals with approximately 80% of bankruptcy cases in Scotland and it has urged other trustees to show similar leniency and flexibility.

Business Minister Jamie Hepburn welcomed the new measures, saying: “This pandemic will have severe economic consequences and we are treating it as an economic emergency, affecting everyone from the largest conglomerates to small businesses and individuals.

“The Scottish Government is working hard to respond to this and we’ve announced a £2.2 billion package of measures to support businesses.

“We’re asking banks, insurance companies and our own departments to be flexible and compassionate wherever possible, including offering mortgage holidays and extending timescales for those in persistent credit card debt.

“This will help reduce the pressure on individuals facing financial difficulties caused or made worse by the current crisis, and we are actively considering what more we can do to help.”

The full list of measures being introduced by Accountant in Bankruptcy:

  • in bankruptcy cases (where AiB is named as trustee), AiB will suspend action on division and sale and eviction from property until further notice
  • the evidential requirements for individuals seeking debt relief through bankruptcy have been amended to allow faster access, providing protection from debt enforcement
  • AiB has written to other trustees involved in the bankruptcy process requesting that similar forbearance is shown in light of the prevailing circumstances
  • the processes for AiB’s determination and audit of trustee accounts will be streamlined on an interim basis with additional detail set out in a letter to all trustees
  • electronic signatures on Protected Trust Deeds and associated documentation will be accepted, assisting continued access to the debt relief provided through this solution with a reduced requirement for face to face contact
  • AiB’s Insolvency Registrations Team will work flexibly with money advisers and clients where there are difficulties in demonstrating income and expenditure and meeting the evidence requirements associated with the debtor application process
  • AiB has asked trustees who have concerns about meeting statutory timescales for bankruptcy and Protected Trust Deeds to liaise with the appropriate AiB teams – a pragmatic approach will be taken.
  • in anticipation that the COVID-19 pandemic will exacerbate issues faced by those with fluctuating earnings, with those on zero hours contracts particularly impacted, AiB has decided not to revoke Debt Arrangement Scheme (DAS) debt payment programmes due to non-payment with a causal link to COVID-19 until further notice

Coronavirus and charities: latest information from OSCR

The Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) is currently open during our standard operating hours.  This is in line with advice from the Scottish Government.  Our services are still available but we are operating with fewer resources, so it will take longer than usual for us to answer queries and process any applications.

The coronavirus (COVID-19) situation is fast moving and developing regularly.  This web page will be updated to reflect any changes that occur so please revisit it regularly to be kept up-to-date.

OSCR, the Association of Chief Officers of Scottish Voluntary Organisations (ACOSVO) and the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) are committed to working together to support the sector through the COVID-19 pandemic:

What is Coronavirus?

There are many sources of information about COVID-19.  All charities should read this guidance from the Scottish Government.

The guidance includes advice for non-healthcare settings, and has tips that apply to people working in hospitality settings, leisure facilities, entertainment venues and premises used by community groups.  NHS inform will give you the latest public health advice.

One of the most important things is the basic hygiene measures that you can take to help prevent the spread of the infection.  These include:

  • routine cleaning and disinfection of frequently touched objects and surfaces such as telephones, keyboards, door handles, desks and tables
  • basic hand washing is highlighted as the most effective way of preventing the spread of infection.  Hand hygiene promoted by ensuring staff, contractors, service users and visitors have access to hand washing facilities and alcohol-based hand rub, where available
  • crockery and cutlery in shared kitchen areas should be cleaned with warm water and detergent and dried thoroughly
  • ensuring food such as crisps and sandwiches should not be left open for communal sharing unless individually wrapped.

Gathering information for the sector

To help influence and shape support for the sector, SCVO is asking organisations to share information about the challenges they are facing as a result of COVID-19 and the potential impact.  Please email a summary to experience@scvo.org.uk. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

FAQs

For charities, there are some specific concerns that we have become aware of, and we will cover those briefly below. General frequently asked questions are available here

What if I have to cancel my AGM or other key events/meetings?

The COVID-19 pandemic is likely to have an impact on a number of events over the next while.  This might include the holding of your AGM.  This might make it difficult for you to finalise your annual reports and accounts.

Wherever possible, we would ask you to try to get these to us on time.  All you need to do is log on as usual and scan us your reports and accounts.  However, we understand that it might be difficult for some and we will take an understanding and proportionate approach to this.

It may be that by postponing your AGM, you are not fulfilling what it says in your governing document.  However, we would be understanding and proportionate about that.  We would still ask you to send as much as you can by your deadline, where possible.

While we are currently not planning to extend filing deadlines, we will continue to look at this issue and see how we can best support the sector at this difficult time.

Can we hold our important meetings virtually?

Where it isn’t going to be possible to get together face-to-face, holding meetings virtually could be a good option.  Some charities have specific provisions in their governing documents to allow meetings to take place over the phone or using digital solutions.

However, in the current situation, we are happy that charities hold their meetings in this way even if the governing document doesn’t say anything about this.  This will allow charity trustees to have important discussions and to take decisions at this difficult time.  Where you decide to take this virtual route, you should record that they have done this, thus demonstrating good governance of your charity.

What if my charity could do something to help people directly in our community, but our governing document would prevent us from doing so?

It is a great sentiment to want to do everything you can to help your communities.  However, it is one of the basics of charity law to follow your governing document and make sure that your charity is working within its purposes.  There are many charities who might be better placed than your own to respond in particular circumstances.

On the other hand, you may be uniquely placed to deliver a service or support to a particular community, and a temporary change to your purposes would allow you to do so.  For such cases, we will put in place a process aimed at approving such changes as quickly as possible.  If you feel you fall into this category, you should get in touch with us as soon as you think you want to make some changes.

Can we change our charity’s purposes so we can use our resources to help with the COVID-19 pandemic?

Charities should still apply for consent to OSCR to change their purposes. In this instance, charities need to mark on the application form that the change is in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic so that we can prioritise those applications.

Please do this by adding “(Coronavirus-related change)” next to the Charity name box. Examples of purpose wordings can be found in our guidance.

What if the current situation has a negative impact on my charity?  Should I be reporting it to OSCR as a notifiable event?

Our notifiable events regime was set-up in order that we might play a role in minimising the impact of serious problems and issues on charities.  By hearing about serious problems at a relatively early stage, the aim was to play a more preventative and facilitative role.  Notifiable events do not cover every incident, only those that may have a significant impact on your charity.

The same would apply in the current situation.  We would only need to hear about something if it was likely to have a serious impact on your charity in the longer term.  It might be that your significant fundraising activity for the year takes place at a time, which means it has to be cancelled.  This might be significant in terms of you being able to carry on with your activities and you would want to report that to us.

However, don’t worry.  Reporting does not need to be at the very top of your list.  Making sure you have the time and space with your fellow trustees to make the right decisions for your organisation is the main thing to be thinking about.

As always, make sure you are recording the decisions you make and the reasons for them.  And, if your trustees do think it is going to have a significant impact on your charity, then let us know as soon as you can.

I have heard that people are using the crisis as a way of trying to defraud people?  Is that true?  What can I do to prevent it?

A crisis is a great time to try to exploit people’s fears and vulnerabilities.  This crisis is no different.  There have been some attempts by cyber-criminals to target industries and individuals, usually for short or longer-term financial gain.  A recent BBC article highlighted some of these campaigns, and it is worth a read.

We produced a ‘Fraud and Cybercrime’ factsheet, which outlines some of the basic things you need to be thinking about to avoid becoming a victim of scammers.

Anything else I should be thinking about?

We will continue to review information and analyse the different queries and worries that are coming into us.  Where we think it will help, we will publish extra information.

In the meantime, keep reviewing the Scottish Government information.  This is updated daily and will give you a good overview of what you should be thinking about as charity trustees.

Further sources of information

England’s equivalent charity regulator The Charity Commission issued the following information yesterday:

Understandably, charities are concerned about what to do during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, so we have set out our response to the most commonly asked questions.

We want to assure charities that our approach to regulation during this uncertain period will be as flexible and pragmatic as possible in the public interest, whilst helping trustees to be aware of and think about the wider or longer impact of their decisions on their charity.

We will update this page with responses to further questions on an ongoing basis.

Can I cancel or postpone my charity’s AGM or other key meetings?

Coronavirus is having a major impact on charity events and the government’s health advice may lead to some charities having no choice but to decide to cancel or postpone their AGMs and other critical meetings.

If as trustees, you decide it is necessary to do so, you should record this decision to demonstrate good governance of your charity. This is particularly important if it is not possible to hold your AGM which may make it difficult for you to finalise your annual reports and accounts.

Wherever possible, we would ask you to try to get your annual reports to us on time. However, where the situation impacts on the completion of annual returns and accounts, charities with an imminent filing date can call us.

Contact Centre

Open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm

In the current situation, it is becoming increasingly difficult to hold face-to-face meetings. Some charities have clauses in their governing documents that allow them to meet virtually or to use telephone facilities, so we advise trustees to check their governing document and see if they can make amendments themselves to facilitate changes as to how or when meetings are held.

Where there is no such clause in your governing document and you decide to hold meetings over the phone or using digital solutions, we will understand but you should record this decision and that you have done this to demonstrate good governance of your charity.

What do I need to report to the Charity Commission?

We appreciate that during the coronavirus pandemic the charity sector will face extremely demanding and ever-changing challenges. Charities’ primary interest, and ours, must be looking after the public and the communities that we serve.

It is ultimately the responsibility of the charity trustees to continue to report serious incidents using our current guidelines, and we will continue to ask trustees to use their judgement in deciding whether an incident is significant in the context of their charity and should be reported to us.

We will continue to prioritise those incidents that place individuals at risk, or incidents that have had a significant impact on a charity’s operations and therefore serious harm to the charity’s work.

 

What is Social Distancing?

This guidance is for everyone. It advises on social distancing measures we should all be taking to reduce social interaction between people in order to reduce the transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19).

It is intended for use in situations where people are living in their own homes, with or without additional support from friends, family and carers. If you live in a residential care setting guidance is available.

We are advising those who are at increased risk of severe illness from coronavirus (COVID-19) to be particularly stringent in following social distancing measures.

This group includes those who are:

Note: there are some clinical conditions which put people at even higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19. If you are in this category, next week the NHS in England will directly contact you with advice the more stringent measures you should take in order to keep yourself and others safe. For now, you should rigorously follow the social distancing advice in full, outlined below.

People falling into this group are those who may be at particular risk due to complex health problems such as:

  • people who have received an organ transplant and remain on ongoing immunosuppression medication
  • people with cancer who are undergoing active chemotherapy or radiotherapy
  • people with cancers of the blood or bone marrow such as leukaemia who are at any stage of treatment
  • people with severe chest conditions such as cystic fibrosis or severe asthma (requiring hospital admissions or courses of steroid tablets)
  • people with severe diseases of body systems, such as severe kidney disease (dialysis)

What is social distancing?

Social distancing measures are steps you can take to reduce the social interaction between people. This will help reduce the transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19).

They are:

  1. Avoid contact with someone who is displaying symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19). These symptoms include high temperature and/or new and continuous cough
  2. Avoid non-essential use of public transport, varying your travel times to avoid rush hour, when possible
  3. Work from home, where possible. Your employer should support you to do this. Please refer to employer guidance for more information
  4. Avoid large gatherings, and gatherings in smaller public spaces such as pubs, cinemas, restaurants, theatres, bars, clubs
  5. Avoid gatherings with friends and family. Keep in touch using remote technology such as phone, internet, and social media
  6. Use telephone or online services to contact your GP or other essential services

Everyone should be trying to follow these measures as much as is pragmatic.

We strongly advise you to follow the above measures as much as you can and to significantly limit your face-to-face interaction with friends and family if possible, particularly if you:

  • are over 70
  • have an underlying health condition
  • are pregnant

This advice is likely to be in place for some weeks.

Handwashing and respiratory hygiene

There are general principles you can follow to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including:

  • washing your hands more often – with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use a hand sanitiser when you get home or into work, when you blow your nose, sneeze or cough, eat or handle food
  • avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
  • avoid close contact with people who have symptoms
  • cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in a bin and wash your hands
  • clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces in the home

What should you do if you develop symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19)

The same guidance applies to the general population and those at increased risk of severe illness form coronavirus (COVID-19). If you develop symptoms of COVID-19 (high temperature and/or new and continuous cough), self-isolate at home for 7 days. You can find the full guidance at stay at home.

How can I get assistance with foods and medicines if I am reducing my social contacts?

Ask family, friends and neighbours to support you and use online services. If this is not possible, then the public sector, business, charities, and the general public are gearing up to help those advised to stay at home. It is important to speak to others and ask them to help you to make arrangements for the delivery of food, medicines and essential services and supplies, and look after your physical and mental health and wellbeing.

If you receive support from health and social care organisations, for example, if you have care provided for you through the local authority or health care system, this will continue as normal. Your health or social care provider will be asked to take additional precautions to make sure that you are protected. The advice for formal carers is included in the Home care provision.

What should you do if you have hospital and GP appointments during this period?

We advise everyone to access medical assistance remotely, wherever possible. However, if you have a scheduled hospital or other medical appointment during this period, talk to your GP or clinician to ensure you continue to receive the care you need and consider whether appointments can be postponed.

What is the advice for visitors including those who are providing care for you?

You should contact your regular social visitors such as friends and family to let them know that you are reducing social contacts and that they should not visit you during this time unless they are providing essential care for you. Essential care includes things like help with washing, dressing, or preparing meals.

If you receive regular health or social care from an organisation, either through your local authority or paid for by yourself, inform your care providers that you are reducing social contacts and agree on a plan for continuing your care.

If you receive essential care from friends or family members, speak to your carers about extra precautions they can take to keep you safe. You may find this guidance on Home care provision useful.

It is also a good idea to speak to your carers about what happens if one of them becomes unwell. If you need help with care but you’re not sure who to contact, or if you do not have family or friends who can help you, you can contact your local council who should be able to help you.

What is the advice if I live with a vulnerable person?

If you live in a house with a vulnerable person refer to our household guidance.

How do you look after your mental wellbeing?

Understandably, you may find that social distancing can be boring or frustrating. You may find your mood and feelings are affected and you may feel low, worried or have problems sleeping and you might miss being outside with other people.

At times like these, it can be easy to fall into unhealthy patterns of behaviour which in turn can make you feel worse. There are simple things you can do that may help, to stay mentally and physically active during this time such as:

  • look for ideas of exercises you can do at home on the NHS website
  • spend time doing things you enjoy – this might include reading, cooking, other indoor hobbies or listening to the radio or watching TV programmes
  • try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, drink enough water, exercise regularly, and try to avoid smoking, alcohol and drugs
  • keep your windows open to let in fresh air, get some natural sunlight if you can, or get outside into the garden

You can also go for a walk outdoors if you stay more than 2 metres from others.

Further information on looking after your mental health during this time is available.

What steps can you take to stay connected with family and friends during this time?

Draw on support you might have through your friends, family and other networks during this time. Try to stay in touch with those around you over the phone, by post, or online. Let people know how you would like to stay in touch and build that into your routine. This is also important in looking after your mental wellbeing and you may find it helpful to talk to them about how you are feeling.

Remember it is OK to share your concerns with others you trust and in doing so you may end up providing support to them too. Or you can use a NHS recommended helpline.

Advice for informal carers

If you are caring for someone who is vulnerable, there are some simple steps that you can take to protect them and to reduce their risk at the current time.

Ensure you follow advice on good hygiene such as:

  • wash your hands on arrival and often, using soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitiser
  • cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
  • put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards
  • do not visit if you are unwell and make alternative arrangements for their care
  • provide information on who they should call if they feel unwell, how to use NHS 111 online coronavirus service and leave the number for NHS 111 prominently displayed
  • find out about different sources of support that could be used and access further advice on creating a contingency plan is available from Carers UK
  • look after your own well-being and physical health during this time. Further information on this is available here

Summary of advice

Summary of advice on social distancing broken down into action to be taken and group of people it relates to.

* if one member of your family or household has a new continuous cough or high temperature
** if you live alone and you have a new continuous cough or high temperature
*** for example cinema, theatre, pubs, bars, restaurants, clubs
**** for example via telephone or internet
1 such as anyone instructed to get a flu jab each year

Tackling loneliness during COVID-19 outbreak

Age Scotland is encouraging people to look out for older friends, neighbours and relatives who may be staying home due to concerns over coronavirus.

Older people are more likely to be affected by the virus, especially if they have underlying health conditions. Some members of vulnerable groups are choosing to limit their social contacts, while many regular events and meetings have been cancelled across Scotland.

Age Scotland is recommending that everyone follow NHS guidelines, but has warned that older people could be at increased risk of loneliness and isolation if they choose to stay at home, missing out on regular social occasions.

Many older people may also need help with practical tasks, such as ordering groceries or caring for pets.

The charity is sharing tips on how to help people stay connected while minimising the risk of infection.

Brian Sloan, Chief Executive of Age Scotland, said: “We know that older people and those with underlying health conditions may feel more vulnerable during the coronavirus outbreak and as a result they might choose not to go out and socialise as much as they would normally.

“At this stage the NHS and Scottish Government advice is to stay at home only if you have the symptoms of coronavirus, including a fever and a cough.

“We would urge people who are well and have had no contact with others from high risk parts of the world to think about older people in their community who might be feeling anxious and alone.

“Some older people will be having fewer visits from family who live further afield, because they are unable to travel, so a friendly call or knock on the door could make a huge difference to their day.

“Being a good neighbour by checking in with vulnerable older people to offer to pop to the shops for them or pick up medication will go a long way to reducing loneliness and isolation. It will also help bring communities together at a challenging time for everyone.

“This is an opportunity to see the best of Scotland, to help and look out for another. Let’s start by supporting older family, friends and neighbours.”

Age Scotland’s 10 top tips:

• Stay in regular touch with older friends, relatives and neighbours by phone, email or video calls

• Don’t forget snail mail – everyone loves getting letters and postcards, or just a note through the door

• Check if someone needs repeat medication picking up

• If someone is self-isolating, offer to pick up groceries or other essentials and leave them on the doorstep

• Find out if someone would like help to set up an online delivery, or do it on their behalf

• Make sure the person has plenty of entertainment such as books, magazines or puzzles

• Consider if you can offer help with pets

• Try agreeing to watch the same TV programme and calling for a chat about it afterwards

• Encourage people to stay active if they are self-isolating – whether that’s moving around the house or a walk away from crowded areas

• Find out the services available in your area from local councils, charities and other organisations.

People can also call the Age Scotland helpline for advice or a friendly chat on 0800 12 44 222.

The most recent NHS advice on coronavirus can be found here.

Coronavirus: keep kids informed

The British Psychological Society says it is vital to talk openly to children and reassure them about the changes they are seeing around them due to Coronavirus.

Some of the changes, like people wearing face masks or empty supermarket shelves, can be scary for children and they are likely to need to talk to someone they trust about some of the imaginative misinformation they might have heard from friends at school.

The advice stresses that it is important to be truthful, but remember your child’s age. An honest and accurate approach is best, giving them factual information, but adjusting the amount and detail to fit their age.

For example, you might say ‘we don’t yet have a vaccination for Coronavirus, but doctors are working very hard on it’  or ‘a lot of people might get sick, but for most people it is like a cold or flu and they get better’.

Other advice from the BPS’s Division of Educational and Child Psychology includes:

  • Younger children might understand a cartoon or picture better than an explanation. We also recommend that adults watch news programmes and then filter this information to their child in a way that’s right for their development.
  • Allow children to ask questions: It is natural that children will have questions and worries about Coronavirus. Giving them the space to ask these questions and have answers is a good way to alleviate anxiety. It is ok to say you don’t know – at the moment, there are questions we don’t have answers to about Coronavirus. You can explain this to your child and add in information about what people are doing to try to answer these questions. Maybe your child has an idea too – let them tell you or draw them.
  • Try to manage your own worries: Uncertainty can make all of us feel anxious or worried. Identify other adults you can talk to about your own worries and questions. What things usually help to make you feel a bit calmer? If you are at home, music, breathing and relaxation techniques, distraction (such as watching something funny), and time with family members or pets can all help. Talk to your children when you feel calm to reassure them.
  • Give practical guidance: Remind your child of the most important things they can do to stay healthy – washing their hands and the ‘catch it, bin it, kill it’ advice for coughs and sneezes. Help your child practise and increase their motivation for keeping going (maybe thinking of a song they want to sing while washing their hands).

The BPS will continue to post advice on its website on ways to cope with the Coronavirus pandemic in the coming days and weeks.

New guidance for households with possible COVID-19 infection

New guidance to stay at home for 14 days if someone in your household has symptoms of COVID-19 is the focus of the next stage of a public awareness campaign launched by Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock today.

The new guidance will set out that individuals will still be asked to self-isolate for 7 days from the onset of COVID-19 symptoms but any individuals in the household will now be asked to self-isolate for 14 days from that moment as well.

If other members of your household develop symptoms, however mild, at any time during the 14 days, they must not leave the home for 7 days from when symptoms started.

The new phase of the campaign will build on the existing TV, radio, online, digital and billboard adverts currently visible all over the country. These reinforce the importance of washing your hands more often and for 20 seconds, and ask people to self-isolate for 7 days if they develop a high temperature or a new continuous cough, however mild.

The UK Government has taken the further measure of asking whole households to isolate because it is likely that people living with others will infect each other or be infected already. Staying at home for 14 days will greatly reduce the overall amount of infection the household could pass on to others in the community.

The Prime Minister also today set out a number of social distancing measures to reduce the risk of infection from the spread of coronavirus. For those who remain well, are under 70 or do not have an underlying health condition, they are advised to limit their social contact where possible, including using less public transport, working at home and considering not going to pubs, restaurants, theatres and bars.

For those who are over 70, have an underlying health condition or are pregnant, they are strongly advised against these activities and to significantly limit face-to-face interaction with friends and family if possible.

The government’s public awareness campaign offers clear, practical advice so people can play their part in preventing and slowing the spread of the virus.

The most important thing individuals can do to protect themselves remains washing their hands more often, for at least 20 seconds, with soap and water. Make sure you cough or sneeze into a tissue, put it in a bin and wash your hands.

The awareness campaign also reiterates the importance of seeking help online by visiting NHS.UK/coronavirus to check your symptoms and follow the medical advice, rather than visiting your GP. It also urges people with any symptoms to avoid contact with older and more vulnerable people.

Only if symptoms become worse should people use the NHS 111 service. To ensure the phone service is readily available to those who need it, where possible people should use the 111 website rather than calling.

Earlier this month, the Prime Minister published a ‘battle plan’ for tackling the disease in the UK, which sets out plans for a range of scenarios. Last week, the Prime Minister confirmed the UK has moved into the second stage of this plan, the ‘delay’ phase.

Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock (above,left) said: “Coronavirus is the biggest public health crisis we have faced in a generation, and we will do whatever is necessary to protect our elderly and most vulnerable people and keep the public safe.

“This is an unprecedented situation and it’s so important for each of us to rally together and do our bit to protect ourselves and each other, as well as our NHS, from this disease.

“Washing hands regularly for 20 seconds or more remains the single most important thing each of us can do, but we now also need to ask everyone in a household to stay at home if anyone in their home shows symptoms.

“Combating this virus will require a huge national effort. We must do all we can to save lives, protect the NHS and keep the most vulnerable people in our society safe.”

Coronavirus: Business Helpline goes live

A helpline providing businesses across Scotland with advice and guidance on COVID-19 (Coronavirus) has been announced by Economy Secretary Fiona Hyslop.

The helpline, which is now live, will be open Monday to Friday, between 8.30am to 5.30pm.

Based at Scottish Enterprise’s call centre in Clydebank, advisers across Scotland will answer questions from businesses related to COVID-19. The helpline will also help the Scottish Government identify the current challenges facing businesses.

On Thursday the First Minister confirmed that the Scottish and UK Governments are moving from the containment phase to delay, and that large gatherings of over 500 people will be cancelled to support the resilience of emergency services.

The first death of a Coronavirus patient in Scotland was confirmed yesterday.

Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Catherine Calderwood said: “I am saddened to report that a patient in Scotland who has tested positive for Coronavirus has died in hospital. I offer my deepest sympathy to their friends and family at this difficult time.

“The patient, who was being treated by Lothian Health Board was an older person who had underlying health conditions. No further information will be available to protect patient confidentiality.”

There are currently twenty confirmed cases in the NHS Lothian area.

The Chief Medical Officer has advised people with mild symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 including continuing coughing, or a fever or a temperature of above 37.8 should self-isolate for seven days.

Those who have been in contact with someone who is experiencing symptoms should only self-isolate if they begin to experience symptoms.

During a meeting with representatives from Scotland’s business support organisations including the STUC this week, Ms Hyslop stressed the importance of everyone following the latest COVID-19 advice.

Ms Hyslop said: “Scotland is well-prepared for a significant outbreak of coronavirus but people have a vital role to play in helping us contain any outbreak by following the latest health and travel advice.

“This situation presents a significant risk to global and domestic economic activity. That is why today we are launching a business helpline which will provide companies in Scotland with the support and guidance they need to respond appropriately.

“We continue to work closely with our partners to identify what further support businesses need. For example, the Minister for Local Government and Planning and the Chief Planner wrote to all planning authorities this week encouraging them to relax their approach to the enforcement of planning restrictions on shop delivery times and opening hours.

“I also chaired a meeting with representatives from Scotland’s business support organisations including the STUC to hear their concerns and provide reassurance that the Scottish Government will do everything in our power to protect the workforce, businesses and our economy.

“I’d also encourage everyone to refer to the new guidance on COVID-19 that includes workplace advice on reducing the spread of infection.

“Following the UK Government’s budget we also require urgent clarification on what funding Scotland will receive from the announcements made by the UK Government, at a time when prospects for the economy and public finances remain very uncertain as the short term impacts of COVID-19 unfold.”

The business helpline number is 0300 303 0660. The helpline will be open Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5.30pm. Callers should select option one to speak to the COVID-19 team.

People with symptoms told to stay at home.

First Minister announces large events to be cancelled.

Last week new guidance on Covid-19 that includes workplace advice was published.

Further additional guidance and information, including links to guidance for travellers and the general public, can also be found on HPS’ COVID-19 page.

The latest numbers of test results are published at 2pm each day on the Scottish Government website.