Tag: coronavirus

Dogs Trust releases Coronavirus response plans

  • Dogs Trust Glasgow and West Calder will move to appointment-only system from 5pm on Friday 20th March
  • The Uddingston and West Lothian based centres will be closed to walk-in members of the public during this time
  • Charity is no longer taking charity shop goods at rehoming centres or shops to limit unnecessary contact and will advise when receiving new stock again.

Dogs Trust in Scotland has announced temporary changes to its activities following Government advice to limit non-essential contact.  

The UK’s largest dog welfare charity, which has 20 rehoming centres across the UK, has outlined plans to protect the health and wellbeing of its staff and visitors, whilst continuing to carry out the essential work of caring for and rehoming dogs.

Dogs Trust Glasgow and West Calder will move to an appointment-only system for potential adopters from 5pm on Friday 20th March and all centres will be closed to walk-in members of the general public until further notice.

The charity will also run appointments for people who wish to give up their dog for any reason. People who have a current reservation or are due to collect their new family member will not be affected and can contact their local centre by phone if they have any questions.

The charity is also postponing all non-essential community events and has suspended Dog School training classes, including those based at the rehoming centre, for the time being. Those wishing to donate any pre-loved items to the charity are asked not to bring donations to the Glasgow or West Calder rehoming centres, or their nearest Dogs Trust charity shop in person, until further notice.

The charity’s staff will be limiting all unnecessary social interaction, practising  frequent hand washing with soap and sanitiser, and visitors will be asked to wash their hands or use hand sanitiser before and during their visit.

Catherine Gillie, Regional Manager at Dogs Trust, said: “The health and wellbeing of our staff and our local communities is of paramount importance to us. We will continue to monitor and follow advice from the Government and are doing what we can to limit non-essential travel and contact. 

“We need to continue our essential work of caring for and rehoming as many dogs as we can in a way that aims to protect everyone involved in the process. That’s why we will be closing our centres to walk-in members of the public from Saturday but continuing to offer people opportunities to adopt a dog by appointment only.

“If you feel unwell or are experiencing any symptoms, or if you or a family member are self–isolating, we ask that you please don’t attend your appointment but call us so we can work out the next steps for you.

“Everyone can keep up to date with all of our latest news via our website and social media platforms which we will keep updated regularly.”

Members of the public wishing to book an appointment can call the contact centre on 0207 837 0006.

BBC unveils children’s iPlayer experience

Families and children can now easily discover a wide range of entertaining and educational shows and films, with the launch of a new children’s experience on BBC iPlayer.

Rolling out on internet-connected TVs, it brings together the best from CBBC and CBeebies, and other suitable BBC programming, all in one place.

When selecting who’s watching iPlayer, there’s now a monster shaped ‘children’ button, which opens a treasure trove of viewing – from hit shows like Hey Duggee and Bing to David Walliams classics such as The Boy In The Dress, Gangsta Granny and Mr Stink – which return to iPlayer.

Children can easily find something to watch thanks to more ‘child-friendly’ categories, that let them pick and browse between Trending, Drama, Funny and Cartoons – as well as giving easy access to the CBeebies and CBBC channels.

The children’s experience has been designed to give confidence to parents and carers that kids are watching suitable shows – with content curated from across CBeebies, CBBC and other suitable BBC programmes and brands.

To make the service even more special, it has been given a distinctive, bright and bold design – helping children understand that this is a dedicated experience just for them.

Alice Webb, Director BBC Children’s and Education, says: “Keeping children informed, educated and entertained at home during these unprecedented times is going to be even more important than ever.

“Whether it’s being a number detective with the Numberblocks, going on a global adventure with Go Jetters, or learning about the planet’s deadliest animals with Deadly 60 – this new experience gives children of all ages a place to go to do that.

“We can’t promise solving the sibling tiffs over what to watch – but we can make it even easier to bring families and kids an incredible choice of shows and films on iPlayer. Children and parents can be assured the BBC will be for them during these challenging times.”

Dan Taylor-Watt, Director of Product, BBC iPlayer and BBC Sounds, says: “We know more and more iPlayer viewing is happening on the biggest screen in the home.

“We’re now making that experience even better for children – so they have a safe place to enjoy their favourite shows, discover new ones – and learn more, especially at the moment. And over time, this experience will get even better, with recommendations increasingly tailored to them – making sure they get the best kids experience possible.”

Crime, justice and Covid-19

Scotland’s Lord Advocate and the Chief Constable of Police Scotland have set clear priorities for the investigation and prosecution of crime as measures to tackle the Covid-19 outbreak come in to force.

In a joint statement, Lord Advocate James Wolffe QC and Chief Constable Iain Livingstone QPM stress their commitment to keeping people safe from harm and dealing effectively with those who break the law.

To support the public health guidance new arrangements for court business are being put in place aimed at significantly reducing social contact. Justice system partners have agreed measures that ensure the prioritisation of essential casework while maintaining public safety and protecting public health.

The police will continue to deal effectively with criminality, and to report cases to the procurator fiscal in the usual way. Prosecutors will continue to process cases in accordance with the Scottish Prosecution Code. In order to minimise the need for attendance at court, steps are being taken to reduce substantially the number of trials.

There will be a focus on cases where the accused is in custody. In addition, there may be some non-custody trials where witnesses are available, with those likely to be limited to cases relating to domestic abuse, sexual offending and violence.

Steps will be taken, so far as possible, within existing rules, to minimise the need for attendance at court. In other cases, trials will be deferred until after the current situation is over.

In addition, there will be revised, rigorous guidelines, focused on public safety, for the police to apply in the liberation of an arrested person pending further investigation or action.

This situation is evolving and work is being done across the criminal justice system and Scottish Government to enable the effective administration of justice to continue.

It is appreciated that uncertainty over court proceedings can have a serious impact on those affected by crime and further information for witnesses, victims and those accused of crime is available on the COPFS website.

Lord Advocate James Wolffe QC said: “My firm commitment, now as always, is to keeping the public safe from harm and maintaining the rule of law.

“Scotland’s prosecution service is working with justice partners on a system-wide response to the challenges of the coming months which are unprecedented in modern times.

“That response will be focused on public safety and on maintaining the fair and effective administration of justice within the constraints of health guidance.

“The police and prosecutors will continue to respond effectively, robustly and fairly to criminality at all levels. We are working with the courts and with Scottish Government on a range of measures which will respond to the demands posed by the present circumstances.”

Chief Constable Iain Livingstone said: “Scotland, like the rest of the world, is dealing with unprecedented challenges and demands as we respond to the coronavirus outbreak.

“The Police Service of Scotland is working closely with the Crown Office and the wider justice system to protect people from crime and the threat of Covid-19, while also upholding people’s human rights.

“My priority is, as always, to ensure the people of Scotland are protected and policed effectively.

“Those breaking the law will be dealt with appropriately to ensure the public is kept safe from risk and harm through rigorous conditions for release and, where necessary, holding people in custody for court.

“These measures allow us to carry out our duties in the most effective way during this critical period.

“Our officers and staff are working around the clock to support the magnificent work of health professionals and, crucially, our fellow citizens as we all face the difficult days ahead together.

“I am confident that by working together we can respond to this outbreak and keep our communities safe.”

Further detailed information on this is available on the COPFS and SCTS websites.

Further information

Custody cases will continue to be called in court where there is a concern about public safety and COPFS is recommending that the accused be remanded in custody.

With the restricted courtroom activity reserved for essential trials, emphasis will be placed on judicial case management and proactive engagement between prosecution and defence agents to enable cases to be resolved, where possible, without the need for a trial and witnesses being called. Where a trial is necessary, all efforts will be made to minimise the need for attendance at court.

Cases that are already in progress will run to the conclusion of the trial, if practical to do so.

A message from STV

People and businesses across the country are now profoundly impacted by the coronavirus and we recognise the vital role that public service broadcasters like STV will play through this extended period of disruption.

We are a free to air, universally available and highly trusted source of news, entertainment and information and we will use our privileged place in your life to have a positive impact now and in the longer term:

For you, our viewers

We will do everything we can to maintain our service and keep our shows on air across all genres, in particular to ensure you are informed with trusted news about the crisis both on TV and online, as well as providing you with much needed entertainment.

Our news service

Our dedicated team of journalists continue to collect and broadcast news content across Scotland, providing the most locally focused news service, together with dedicated Holyrood and Westminster coverage.

Our current affairs programme, Scotland Tonight, will offer additional coverage of the coronavirus pandemic and now has a 7.30pm peaktime slot on Thursday evenings in addition to Monday to Wednesdays at 10.40pm

Our broadcast schedule

We will deliver a comprehensive range of new programmes. Our schedule largely relies on pre-recorded shows like The Chase and Tenable in the afternoons and 9pm dramas like Liar and Belgravia.

It was also announced that Coronation Street and Emmerdale – the two most popular programmes in Scotland – will continue to run for the coming months, albeit on a reduced schedule pattern of 8 episodes per week from Monday 30th March as the production teams implement new health advice.

While The Voice UK knock out stages continue this weekend, it has also been announced that the live semi-final and final have been postponed on 28th March and 4th April and we aim to replace them with Voice specials.

In addition the production teams are working hard to maintain the Britain’s Got Talent live shows when they return later this spring. Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway will still air this weekend, without a live studio audience for the first time.

Across drama, entertainment and factual entertainment you still have a huge range of new and returning shows to look forward to, including the dramas Liar, Belgravia and Quiz, as well as entertainment from Alan Carr’s Epic Gameshow, Gordon, Gino & Fred’s Road Trip and the return of the Britain’s Got Talent auditions next month.

STV Player

With thousands of hours of content, the STV Player is the home of the STV schedule online and much more. It is also now universally available across Scotland following its recent launch on the Sky platform and on Apple TV, alongside over 30 other platforms and connected devices.

There are currently over 50 box sets for you to choose from on the Player across drama, entertainment and factual, with something for everyone.

You can catch up on the latest big dramas, like Flesh and Blood, McDonald & Dodds, Vera, Cold Feet and Endeavour.

We have also added over 1000 hours of exclusive Player-only content like drama series Rake, Janet King, The Last Enemy, The Code, Deep Water, The Slap, Acceptable Risk and Hamish Macbeth.

And there’s a chance to remember classic STV dramas like Taggart, Rebus, The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie and Take the High Road. Beyond drama there are great factual titles, including hours of Scottish scenery, documentaries and true crime, including titles like Grand Tours of Scotland, Cold Justice, Unveiled, Changing Faces, and Street Hospital.

More new content for the STV Player will be announced soon.

STV Children’s Appeal

No one will be hit harder by the coronavirus than our most vulnerable communities. We have therefore granted emergency funding of £400,000 from monies raised during the 2019 STV Children’s Appeal to FareShare, who will redistribute food to communities across Scotland.

We are actively seeking to work collaboratively with other charities to ensure that funding gets to those who need it most right now, and will be adapting our future STV Children’s Appeal fundraising activities in 2020 to ensure we focus on the most pressing causes during this crisis.

Looking ahead

These are hugely challenging times for everyone but my fantastic colleagues at STV are committed to delivering the best possible service for viewers, partners and our local communities over the coming months, and I would like to thank them for their professionalism and dedication.

We’ll continue to work together with industry, commercial partners, government and you our viewers to entertain, inform and provide vital support where we can across Scotland.

Simon Pitts

Chief Executive Officer, STV

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.”

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