Tag: coronavirus

Chancellor delivers Coronavirus Budget

The Chancellor yesterday set out a £12 billion action plan in response to the economic impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, as part of a Budget that ‘delivers historic levels of public investment, levels up the country and lays the foundations for a decade of growth’.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak said Britain will rise to the challenge of COVID-19, with a package of measures to support public services, individuals and businesses that may be affected by the outbreak.

In addition to responding to the immediate impact of COVID-19, the Chancellor pledged to put hardworking people first, put more money in their pocket, invest a record amount in infrastructure, boost public services, back business and set out a vision for a greener future.

A record half a trillion pounds (£640 billion) will be invested in Britain’s roads, railways and digital networks to give us the infrastructure that will support economic growth.

The Budget also provides billions of pounds to support our world-class public services; with funding for 50,000 more nurses and 50 million more GP surgery appointments a year.

Millions of families will have more cash to spend thanks to tax cuts through an increase in National Insurance thresholds and a cash boost to the National Living Wage (NLW). The Budget also takes action to support businesses of all sizes and accelerates the UK’s progress towards a greener economy. The Comprehensive Spending Review, which will set out the government’s detailed spending plans for this Parliament, was also launched today and will conclude in July.

Delivering the budget in Parliament Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak said: “This Budget responds, at scale, to the immediate threat of Coronavirus and it reports on an economy whose foundations are strong. It is a Budget that provides for security today.

“This is a Budget that will deliver on our promises to the British people and it is the budget of a government that gets things done.

“We’re at the beginning of a new era in this country. We have the freedom and the resource to decide our own future.”

COVID-19

The Chancellor pledged to do ‘whatever it takes’ to support the economy through the disruption caused by COVID-19 with a £12 billion package of targeted measures. It included a £5 billion emergency response fund to support the NHS and other public services, £40 million of new funding for rapid research into COVID-19 and a commitment of up to £150 million to the International Monetary Fund’s Catastrophe Containment and Relief Trust.

To support people affected, the Chancellor announced the government would be extending Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) for all those who are advised to self-isolate and their carers – even if they haven’t yet presented with symptoms. Statutory Sick Pay costs for businesses with fewer than 250 employees will be met by the government in full for up to 14 days.

Rishi Sunak also set out plans to support the self-employed, those earning below the Lower Earnings Limit of £118 per week and a new £500 million Hardship Fund to directly support vulnerable people. The government will also increase the Business Rates retail discount to 100% for one year and expand it to the leisure and hospitality sectors.

Public services

By the end of the Parliament, day to day spending on public services will be £100 billion higher in cash terms than it is today. This Budget commits more than £6 billion of new funding in this Parliament to support the NHS, including to create 50m more GP surgery appointments, ensure there are 50,000 more nurses. The NHS Settlement provided the largest cash increase in public services since the Second World War – an additional £33.9 billion per year by 2024.

Levelling up and getting Britain Building

Billions of investment will be provided across the length and breadth of the country to support communities poorly served by old roads, communications and housing:

  • more than £27 billion will be spent on upgrading strategic roads and £2.5 billion will be spent on fixing potholes
  • £5 billion will go towards the rollout of gigabit-capable broadband in the hardest to reach areas
  • following the recent floods, which devastated parts of the UK, the Chancellor has pledged a record £5.2 billion over six years for flood defences

Cost of living

The Chancellor also put more money into the pockets of 31 million working people thanks to National Insurance Contribution thresholds increasing to £9,500, saving the typical employee around £104 a year from April, while the National Living Wage will increase to £8.72. This is on top a freeze in Fuel Duty, for the tenth consecutive year, and a freeze in duty rates for beer, cider and spirits, while the ‘Tampon Tax’ will be scrapped.

Backing Business

From April, small businesses will benefit from an increase to the Employment Allowance, reducing their employer National Insurance bills by £850 on average and there will be fundamental review of business rates.

Greener economy

To accelerate the UK’s progress towards net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and protect the environment for future generations, the Chancellor announced £500 million for electric car charging infrastructure, to ensure drivers are never further than 30 miles away from a rapid charger. Tree planting in England will increase by 600% and to tackle the scourge of single-use plastics, a consultation will be launched on introducing a Plastic Packaging Tax.

Support for the regions and nations

The Chancellor has also pledged to level up all parts of the UK, with measures to spread opportunity and ensuring everyone benefits from growth. He announced the West Yorkshire Devolution Deal, which will help the region boom through the creation of a Mayoral Combined Authority, while a government economic decision-making hub will be created in the North of England.

As a result of the budget:

  • the Scottish Government will benefit from a £640 million funding boost
  • the Welsh Government a £360 million funding boost
  • the Northern Ireland Executive a £210m funding boost

Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said: “This is a great budget for Scotland. Decisions taken by the UK Government over the last year will deliver an almost £2 billion funding boost for the Scottish Government.

“People and businesses right across Scotland will see the benefits – more than £5 billion for broadband and 4G connectivity, an increase in the national living wage, £22 billion for research and development across the UK, and a freeze in fuel duty.

“The Scotch whisky industry gets a welcome boost, with a freeze on spirits and a review of alcohol duty, and £10 million help to develop green technology. We will also invest £1 million in promoting Scottish produce to overseas markets.

“We will continue our extensive investment in growth deals across Scotland, now at almost £1.5 billion, with confirmation of £25 million UK Government funding for Argyll and Bute. Every part of Scotland will be covered by growth deals, with investment to be announced soon for Falkirk and the Scottish islands.”

Following decisions taken at this Budget, notably on funding for health business rates relief and roads, the Scottish Government’s resource and capital budgets in 2020-2021 will increase by over £220m and £410m respectively with a total increase of more than £640m.

The additional funding, when combined with the £1.3bn funding in 2020-21 provided at the Spending Round 2019, results in the largest year-on-year real-terms funding increase for the Scottish Government in a decade.

Further measures announced by the Chancellor can be found in this factsheet.

BUDGET REACTION

Rapid joint engagement is needed on funding for the COVID-19 response in Scotland following the UK Government’s Budget, Holyrood Finance Secretary Kate Forbes said.

Responding to the UK Budget, Ms Forbes said: “While I’m pleased to see the UK Government’s economic response to coronavirus following my calls for this at the UK Treasury yesterday, we need confirmation on what this will mean for Scotland.

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

“It is vital that our businesses, employees, health service and the most economically vulnerable in our society are all protected through this time, and this additional funding will help us in our response.

“I will ensure that businesses in Scotland are supported and will work with the business community to identify the most effective measures available to us, when we have more clarity on the funding available.

“We expect full consequentials from this additional funding and need urgent clarification to provide clarity for Scottish businesses and NHS Scotland to ensure we can respond effectively.

“The Barnett consequentials announced today are in line with the assumptions that underpinned the Scottish Budget and Budget Bill passed by the Scottish Parliament last week. While this funding is welcome, our resource budget is still lower in real terms than it was in 2010/11.”

Rebecca Long-Bailey, Labour’s Shadow Business Secretary, commenting on the failure to tackle the climate crisis in the Budget, said: “By ducking the bold measures needed to tackle the climate emergency, the Chancellor has blown the biggest opportunity for national renewal since the post-war era, betraying current and future generations.

“This Budget piles investment into new motorways without bringing down the cost of public transport, and offers only derisory support for electric vehicles. There is no sign of the Tory manifesto commitment to invest £9.2 billion to lower energy bills, and the proposal to load the costs of carbon capture and storage onto consumer bills is particularly concerning.

“Elsewhere the Budget sets out a series of measures that seem designed to let our biggest emitters off the hook.

“The Chancellor says people in this country voted for change, but nobody voted for catastrophic climate change.”

Dame Carolyn Fairbairn, CBI Director-General, said: “In deeply challenging times the Chancellor has worked against the clock to deliver two budgets in one: a first for national resilience today and a second for economic ambition tomorrow. It’s a bold Budget at scale, coordinated with the Bank of England, which will help people and business through tough times.

“As the UK responds to the immediate challenge, people are the first priority. So the measures to expand and ease access to sick pay and benefits are vital to protect people’s health and livelihoods.

“The Chancellor’s actions on business rates, emergency funds and loans will help ensure firms can weather the storm, especially smaller firms. Larger firms may also need support as the situation develops.

“Covid19 will bring new challenges daily which will need to be resolved, at speed. “Today’s impressive economic response should now evolve with business insight to become as agile as our approach to public health.

“While the response to Covid19 is urgent, it is very good to see this Budget’s focus on innovation and infrastructure. The Chancellor has listened to many calls from CBI members, with decisive action on vital long-term issues.

“The significant uplift in R&D funding, creation of a UK version of ARPA, a fundamental review of business rates and spending promises on infrastructure will all bring real benefits to people, business and communities.

“The Chancellor has set out some powerful incentives to get businesses investing, increasing the R&D tax credit and the Structures and Buildings Allowance. The £5bn of new export loans will encourage the best of UK business to look to new global markets.

“The next few months will bring opportunities for the Government to make major decisions that they have understandably had to put to one side today. Some gaps still need to be filled in around skills, energy efficiency and powering the UK’s low carbon future.

“Overall, today’s budget is a powerful signal to firms at home and abroad that the UK can and will manage the immediate challenges and long-term opportunities in parallel.”

TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said: “The government’s coronavirus plans will leave millions of workers behind. Without urgent action, too many will be plunged into poverty and debt.

“Today’s announcements won’t help the nearly 2 million people who miss out on sick pay because they don’t earn enough. Telling them to turn to the broken benefits system isn’t good enough. We need decent sick pay for all.

“Ministers must now urgently bring together unions and employers to talk about how to support jobs, including through wage subsidies for short time working schemes, and further help for public services – especially social care.”

On investment announcements, she added: “This spending u-turn is badly overdue. The priority now must be to repair the damage of ten years of Tory devastation.

“Helping working families and rebuilding public services must come first. And we need to see concrete action on the challenges of the future.

“This means banning zero hours contracts, sorting social care, ending the UK’s dire regional inequalities, setting out a credible plan to achieve net zero, and getting an EU trade deal that supports jobs and workers across the UK.”

Fraser Sime, regional director for Scotland at Bank of Scotland, said: “The announcement of £1m support towards Scottish food and drink exports is extremely encouraging.

“We have a team of relationship managers that work specifically with this industry across Scotland to support growth, both at home and overseas, and today’s development will further help local firms capitalise on new opportunities.

“With 120 active distilleries in Scotland, the investment of £10m into the research and development of more sustainable practices will assist the industry in reducing the environmental impact of our national tipple. To support this, our Clean Growth Financing Initiative also offers discounted lending to introduce measures to create more renewable energy sources for businesses.”

Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive of LGiU, said: “Understandably, this budget was dominated by the Government’s response to coronavirus. No one could argue with that, but for councils across Scotland it provides more questions than answers.

“Social care has been all but absent in the response to Covid-19. Hospitals will not be able to cope if large numbers of older sufferers cannot be discharged because of a lack of social care provision and social care providers will not be able to cope if a fifth of their already stretched workforce is off sick. This could create a dangerous and vicious circle. Mr Sunak promised “whatever it takes” for the NHS, but once again, risks forgetting the symbiotic relationship between health and social care.

“The Growth Deal in Argyll and Bute, help for whisky distillers and support for a campaign to promote Scottish food and drink will be welcomed by local government across Scotland, but many will be concerned that these are only small steps being taken to reverse the decade of funding cuts experienced in Scotland.

“Elsewhere in the budget, announcements on infrastructure, science, further education and research and innovation all look to a longer term future. Local government must have a role to play in making these happen but there remain questions about its capacity to do so after a decade of contraction.

“So, we had a budget designed to cope with an immediate crisis whilst also setting out significant spending and a vision for a long term economic transformation. Councils will be at the front line of our response to coronavirus and will be a crucial player in this transformation. However, local government may feel that it has dropped through the middle somewhat as the Government attempts to get so many other things done.”

Commenting on the UK Government’s Budget yesterday, Scotland Director for CAMRA Sarah Crawford said: “CAMRA welcomes the freeze in beer duty – which is a UK-wide tax – but we want to make sure brewers and pub companies pass on any savings on to pub-goers. 

“In the upcoming review of alcohol taxation we will be arguing for a cut in beer duty for beer served on tap, which would be the best way to support community pubs.

“Yesterday’s Budget also sees cuts and reliefs to the burden of Business Rates for pubs in England. CAMRA is calling on the Scottish Government to introduce further support and pub-specific rate relief schemes here to help our pubs cope not only with the short-term impacts of coronavirus, but also with the year-round effect that business rates have on the ability of our locals to stay open and thrive. We’d also like to see fundamental changes to the Business Rates system to make sure it is fairer to pubs.

“Cutting duty for draught beer in pubs and changing the Business Rates system are both vital steps to saving community pubs across Scotland from closure.”

Nimesh Shah is a Partner at leading accounting and tax advisory firm Blick Rothenberg. He summed the Budget:

“Today marked the first Budget for the new Government, the first for a new Chancellor who has only been in the job a few weeks and the first for almost 18 months. It could, however, be the first of several budgets in 2020.

“In a Budget overshadowed by COVID-19, the Chancellor started by announcing a package of measures aimed at easing the burden for individuals and businesses, including extending Statutory Sick Pay, offering a reduction to Business Rates for small businesses and allowing more time to pay taxes.

“The Chancellor’s hands seemed to be slightly tied, and the only notable change for workers was an increase to the National Insurance threshold to £9,500 providing a £100 annual saving.

“For the first time in 10 years, there was no increase to the personal allowance, which remained at £12,500. In fact, there were no changes to the majority of the personal tax thresholds with the basic rate band, inheritance tax nil rate band and the high-income child benefit threshold all untouched.

“In a measure aimed at appeasing NHS doctors and consultants, the pensions annual allowance will only begin to reduce for individuals with income above £240,000 (currently £150,000). However, at the other end of the spectrum, the minimum pensions annual allowance will be reduced to £4,000 (currently £10,000), affecting individuals with income above £300,000.

“The Chancellor wielded an axe on Entrepreneurs’ Relief without going as far as abolishing it completely. In an overnight move (which has its own complexities), the Entrepreneurs’ Relief lifetime allowance was slashed from £10 million to £1 million, reducing the tax saving to £100,000. Apparently, the reduced limit should only affect 20% of entrepreneurs while raising £6.3 billion for the Treasury in the process over the next five years.

“Entrepreneurs’ Relief has gone full circle, as the limit was £1 million when first introduced in 2008 and worth £80,000. At a time when all UK businesses are facing hugely uncertain futures, it was disappointing that the Chancellor, only a few weeks into the job, decided to make the move without any review or consultation.

“For the first time in many years, there were few changes to property taxes, with the Government moving ahead with a 2% SDLT surcharge for overseas buyers, which will take effect from April 2021 (presumably to encourage overseas buyers to transact before a higher SDLT cost applies).

“However, it’s worth noting that several property tax changes are due to take effect from 6 April 2020, including a reduction to main residence relief, the mortgage interest relief restriction taking full effect and reducing the timeframe in which capital gains tax should be paid to 30-days when selling a residential property.

“The only giveaway for savers was an increase to the Junior ISA limit to £9,000. At a time when the stock markets have tumbled and interest rates cut, pensioners and savers may have been looking to the Government for some help.”

This year’s winners and losers: who will be better off?

George Parker and Harriet James are Assistant Managers at leading accounting and tax advisory firm Blick Rothenberg

Winners

All earners

An increase in National Insurance Contribution (NIC) thresholds is a welcome move for all employees and the self-employed. The threshold will increase from £8,628 to £9,500, resulting in an annual NIC saving of £104 for employees and £78 for the self-employed.

Saving for retirement

From 2020-21, the thresholds used to calculate the tapering of the annual allowance will be increased so that workers with ‘adjusted net income’ of below £240,000 are not affected by the reduced limits.

The annual allowance is the total amount an individual and employer can contribute into their pension fund without incurring a tax charge.

Children under 18 years old

Junior ISA and Child Trust Fund annual subscription limits will increase by £4,632 from £4,368 to £9,000 – a massive uplift.

Losers

Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurs Relief (ER) Lifetime Allowance will be reduced from £10m to £1m affecting an estimated 20% of business owners. Going forward, only the first £1m of capital gains arising on the sale of an individual’s business will be taxed at 10%, with the remaining gain being taxed at 20%. Harsh anti-avoidance rules have also been introduced, backdated from April 2019.

Top earners

Currently individuals with an ‘adjusted net income’ in excess of £210,000 have their annual allowance tapered to £10,000. From April 2020, the allowance will be tapered to £4,000 for individuals with total income above £300,000. Any excess contributions over the new tapered annual allowance will be subject to tax at 45%.

Companies investment in plant and machinery

The favourable – yet temporary – Annual Investment Allowance (AIA) of £1million will come to an end on 31 December 2020, reducing by 80% to £200,000 per year.

Pensioners

The forgotten in this Budget are pensioners. With no reforms or simplification to Inheritance Tax announced, with the personal allowance and income tax thresholds remaining unchanged, and as they do not pay NIC, inflation will drag more pensioners into higher taxes. Based on forecasted inflation at 2%, many pensioners will be worse off in real terms.

Johnson statement on Coronavirus

Prime Minister Boris Johnson made the following statement yesterday …

This morning I chaired a meeting of the government’s COBR emergency committee on the Coronavirus outbreak.

The First Ministers of Scotland and Wales and the First Minister and deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland also attended and we agreed to continue to work closely in the weeks and months ahead.

We received a detailed briefing from the Chief Medical Officer and the Chief Scientific Advisor. And again I repeat my gratitude to both Chris and to Patrick.

There have now been four deaths from coronavirus in the UK, and our deepest sympathies are obviously with their friends and families.

Our action plan as you know sets out the four phases of our approach to tackling the virus: Contain, Delay, Research, and Mitigate.

We remain in the Contain phase of the outbreak, but watching what is happening around the world, our scientists think containment is extremely unlikely to work on its own, and that is why we are making extensive preparations for a move to the delay phase.

We are preparing various actions to slow the spread of this disease in order to reduce the strain it places on the NHS. The more we can delay the peak of the spread to the summer, the better the NHS will be able to manage.

Patrick and Chris will give you some more detailed information on the latest advice we are giving the public today – and how we expect that advice to change as the outbreak develops.

As things stand I’m afraid it bears repeating that the best thing we can all do is wash our hands for 20 seconds with soap and water.

We will also take questions, because I know there are lots of things the public want to hear from our advisors about.

But before that I want to stress the following things:

First, we are doing everything we can to combat this outbreak, based on the very latest scientific and medical advice.

Second, we have a truly brilliant NHS, where staff have responded with all the determination, compassion and skill that makes their service so revered across the world. And they will continue to have this government’s full support, my support, in tackling this virus on the frontline.

Third, we will set out further steps in the days and weeks ahead to help people protect themselves, their family and in particular the elderly and vulnerable.

And finally, while it is absolutely critical, it’s absolutely critical in managing the spread of this virus that we take the right decisions at the right time, based on the latest and best evidence. So we must not do things which have no or limited medical benefit, nor things which could turn out to be counterproductive.

There is no hiding from the fact that the coronavirus outbreak will present significant challenges for the UK, just as it does in other countries.

But if we continue to look out for one another, to pull together in a united and national effort, I have no doubt that we can and will rise to that challenge.

And I’m now going to ask Patrick and then Chris to give their own perspective on where we are …

Coronavirus: Workplace advice

New guidance on coronavirus (COVID-19) has been published that includes workplace advice.

It contains guidance for non-healthcare settings, including tips that apply to people working in hotels and hospitality, leisure facilities, entertainment venues and premises used by community groups.

It has general basic hygiene measures and advice from Health Protection Scotland on preventing the spread of infection and includes:

• routine cleaning and disinfection of frequently touched objects and surfaces such as telephones, keyboards, door handles, desks and tables

• basic hand washing 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

Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Fair Work and Culture, said: “This publication has been circulated following general guidance on basic preventative measures against coronavirus and specific guidance for educational settings.

“It contains clear, practical guidance that will ensure workplace staff have the latest information about COVID-19 and how we can all help prevent it from spreading.

“We are well-prepared for an outbreak in Scotland, but the public has a vital role to play in helping us contain any positive cases by keeping themselves informed, and following basic hygiene precautions.

“That includes hand-washing, not touching their faces unless their hands are clean and covering their nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing then putting the tissue in the bin.”

A copy of COVID-19 Guidance for Non- Healthcare Settings can be found here.

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.

Common symptoms of coronavirus include:

• high temperature or fever
• cough
• shortness of breath

Updates on public health advice for coronavirus can be found on the NHS Inform website, and a free helpline has been set up for those who do not have symptoms but are looking for general health advice: 0800 028 2816.

For anyone who is planning to travel abroad, guidance can be found on fitfortravel. Where a COVID-19 risk is identified, country pages will be updated.

1_COVID-19-Guidance-for-non-healthcare-settings

Coronavirus: Sick Pay Stooshie

Statutory Sick Pay will be made available from day one when self-isolating, instead of day four, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced yesterday – but poverty campaigners say this won’t be enough to protect workers.

The move will be included in emergency legislation to deal with coronavirus.

Updating Parliament on the Government’s response, Prime Minister Boris Johnson told MPs: “I can today announce that the Health Secretary will bring forward, as part of our emergency legislation measures, to allow the payment of Statutory Sick Pay from the very first day you are sick instead of four days under the current rules.

“No one should be penalised for doing the right thing.”

Explaining the rationale for the measure, the Prime Minister had earlier said: “We are not at the point yet where we are asking large numbers of people to self-isolate, but that may of course come if large numbers have the symptoms.

“If they stay at home, they are helping to protect all of us by preventing the spread of the virus.”

The change will be a temporary measure to respond to the outbreak and will lapse when it is no longer required.

Statutory Sick Pay is paid by employers, who will know the reason their staff are giving for not being at work and already have some discretion to accept different forms of evidence as proof of sickness.

There is a range of support in place for those who do not receive Statutory Sick Pay, including Universal Credit and contributory Employment and Support Allowance. The move will be included in emergency legislation to deal with coronavirus.

The UK Government has announced it will extend statutory sick pay to start on the first day of being off to enable people to self-isolate in response to the Corona virus. But this won’t be enough to protect workers, says the Poverty Alliance.

Peter Kelly, Director of Poverty Alliance said: ““While we welcome the much needed extension of statutory sick pay, this will not be enough to protect workers who may need to self-isolate in response to the virus.

“Statutory sick pay should be significantly increased from its current level of £94.25 to reflect the cost of living, and the qualifying wage of £118 should be removed.

“If the Corona virus continues to spread at its current rate there is a high risk that many more people will be swept into already staggering levels of poverty in this country.”

“The challenges of responding to the virus highlight existing failings in both the labour market and social security system. Workers on zero hours contracts will have no access to sick leave and have been recommended to apply for Universal Credit. But we know that the five week wait for first payments of the benefit is already driving destitution.

“Immediate safeguards should be introduced for workers who are deemed as self-employed or are on zero or short hours contracts and the scandalous and unnecessary wait for Universal Credit should be brought to an end.”

The TUC has been campaigning for everyone to get sick pay from day one, no matter what they earn.

They are calling on the government to introduce emergency legislation that:

  • Gives every worker the right to statutory sick pay from the first day of absence
  • Scraps the minimum earnings threshold for statutory sick pay
  • Increases the weekly level of sick pay
  • Ensures that sick pay is paid to workers having to self-isolate
  • Provides funds to ensure employers can afford to pay sick pay and additional support to those who miss out

Sign the petition calling for sick pay for every worker from day one.

 

Coronavirus: stay informed

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon met with staff supporting Scotland’s public information response to coronavirus (COVID-19) yesterday, following the announcement of two additional positive test results in Scotland.

The UK saw its biggest day-on-day increase in coronavirus cases yesterday, bringing the total number to 87.

During a visit to NHS 24’s contact centre at the Golden Jubilee National Hospital, the First Minister thanked NHS 24 staff, including nurses, call handlers and health information advisors operating the 111 service and a dedicated coronavirus helpline service, for their efforts to keep the public informed.

The helpline has been set up by NHS 24 for people who do not have symptoms and are looking for general information and advice on coronavirus.

More than 400 staff work at NHS 24’s Clydebank call centre, which is one of four main centres located across Scotland.

Monday 2 March was the busiest day to date for the coronavirus helpline with 584 calls recorded, up from 143 on Sunday, when the first positive case in Scotland was identified. On Tuesday there were 430 calls.

NHS Inform’s coronavirus page has registered 264,118 visits as of Tuesday, with 55,000 visits on Monday alone.

The First Minister said: “Our thoughts are with the two patients who have been newly diagnosed with coronavirus and their families, and I wish them all the best for their recovery.

“The Scottish Government and NHS Scotland are well-prepared to deal with a coronavirus outbreak, but the public also have a big role to play in helping us any contain any potential spread of coronavirus in Scotland for as long as possible.

“So I want to thank staff here for all their hard work to answer questions about coronavirus and keep the public informed.

“As the number of positive cases in Scotland increases, it is vital people stay up to date with the latest health and travel advice on NHS Inform, as well as following basic hygiene precautions, such as washing hands frequently, not touching their face and covering their nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.”

NHS 24’s Director of Service Delivery Steph Philips said: “Over the last 10 days we have received more than 3,000 calls on coronavirus to our helpline and those numbers are increasing, with over 500 calls to the 111 service since Friday in addition to the coronavirus helpline, and we saw another significant increase on Monday following the first positive case in Scotland.

“That’s why we’re asking people in Scotland to check NHS Inform online in the first instance, as it’s the quickest and easiest way to get the latest information if they have questions about travel risk or symptoms, as well as our self-help guide tool. NHS Inform is being updated with latest information for the Scottish public on a daily basis.

“In addition to the helpline, we’re also encouraging people to phone their GP during the day or call NHS 24 on 111 out of hours.”

Two further patients in Scotland tested positive for COVID-19 yesterday, bringing the total number of cases to three.

Both patients are currently clinically well and are receiving appropriate clinical care. Due to patient confidentiality, we are unable to give any more details.

One patient is resident in the Grampian area, the second patient is resident in the Ayrshire area. One patient has recently travelled to northern Italy and the other has had contact with a known positive case – this contact was not with the first positive case confirmed in Scotland.

Clinicians have begun contact tracing, the process of gathering details of the places they have visited and the people they have been in contact with.  It is important to note that this tracing process does not involve people the patients may have passed on the street or in a shop – as the risk in these situations is very low.

Close contact involves either face-to-face contact or spending more than 15 minutes within two metres of an infected person. Those at risk of infection will be contacted by health protection teams for further advice. Those who are not contacted are not at risk.

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said: “Our first thoughts must be with the patients diagnosed with coronavirus, I wish them a full and speedy recovery.

“We expect the number of cases to rise and Scotland is well-prepared for a significant outbreak of coronavirus. There is currently no treatment or vaccine so early detection measures will continue to be vital in helping to prevent the spread of the virus.

“People have a vital role to play in helping us contain any outbreak by following the latest health and travel advice, and following basic hygiene precautions, such as washing hands frequently, not touching their face and covering their nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.” 

Scotland’s Chief Medical Officer Dr Catherine Calderwood said: “Firstly our thoughts are with those who have been diagnosed, and with their families.

“Scotland is well equipped to deal with infections of this kind. We have a proven track record of dealing with challenging health issues, and have been preparing for this possibility since the beginning of the outbreak.

“We practice and prepare our response to disease outbreaks and follow tried and tested procedures, following the highest safety standards possible for the protection of NHS staff, patients and the public.”

NHS 24 is the national provider of digital and telephone based health and care services for Scotland.

Updates on public health advice for coronavirus can be found on the NHS Inform website, and a free helpline has been set up for those who do not have symptoms but are looking for general health advice: 0800 028 2816.

The helpline is open:
• Monday to Friday, 8.00am to 10.00pm
• Saturday and Sunday, 9.00am to 5.00pm

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

Common symptoms of coronavirus can include:
• high temperature or fever
• cough
• shortness of breath

For anyone who is planning to travel abroad, guidance can be found on fitfortravel. Where a COVID-19 risk is identified, country pages will be updated.

 

Coronavirus: Business as Usual … for now

CORONAVIRUS ACTION PLAN PUBLISHED

The Scottish Government, Welsh Government, Northern Ireland Executive, and the UK Government have today jointly published an Action Plan setting out a collective approach to the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19).

The Scottish Government has also published additional Scotland-specific guidance on its resilience and response arrangements, which provides further detail on how the response will be delivered and coordinated if there is a sustained epidemic.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “The Scottish Government and NHS Scotland are well-prepared to deal with a coronavirus outbreak. As well as the four nations’ Action Plan published today, we have also published tailored guidance for Scotland’s unique landscape.

“The Action Plan and the detail of our additional resilience arrangements for Scotland set out very clearly what we know so far about coronavirus, the different phases of managing an infection of this nature, what each phase means and the actions that have been or could potentially be taken at each stage.

“Much of this planning is based on reasonable worst case scenarios which will be refined as our understanding of the virus develops, but it is vital that we are well equipped to deal with all possibilities as this outbreak grows globally.

“We will continue to work closely with the UK Government, Welsh Government and the Northern Ireland Executive as part of a coordinated response to this virus.”

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said: “Scotland is well equipped to deal with infections of this kind and health boards and social care services plan and prepare for a range of emergencies in order to minimise disruption as far as possible.

“We have a proven track record of dealing with challenging health issues and follow the highest safety standard possible to protect health and social care staff, patients and the public.

“The NHS has been specifically preparing for the possibility of further spread of coronavirus since it was first detected in Wuhan and today’s planning information outlines the processes and protections in place to ensure a coordinated response to this outbreak.”

Scottish Conservative shadow health spokesman Miles Briggs MSP said: “Understandably many people in Lothian are deeply concerned about whether the Scottish NHS will be able to cope with the extreme demands that the Coronavirus will place on it.

“Over the last six years we have seen a significant reduction in hospital beds with the loss of hundreds of acute hospital beds over a six year period.

“The worst case scenario outlined by SNP Ministers and the Chief Medical Officer suggests a high number of vulnerable patients will require hospitalisation. The SNP must therefore consider the worst case scenario and recommission NHS beds across the hospital estate urgently.

“It is the responsibility of all of us regardless of politics to make sure that guidance is followed to help protect individuals and families and to provide advice and assistance especially to the most vulnerable in our society.”

Prime Minister Boris Johnson told the press this morning: 

Good morning and thank you for coming along, and I am very glad to be joined this morning by the government’s Chief Medical Officer and Chief Scientific Advisor.

Today we have published the Coronavirus Action Plan setting out how all four parts of the UK will take all necessary and reasonable steps to tackle this outbreak.

The plan has four strands. Containing the virus, delaying its spread, researching its origins and cure, and finally mitigating the impact should the virus become more widespread. That is, contain, delay, research, mitigate.

And let me be absolutely clear that for the overwhelming majority of people who contract the virus, this will be a mild disease from which they will speedily and fully recover as we’ve already seen.

But I fully understand public concern, your concern, about the global spread of this virus. And it is highly likely that we will see a growing number of UK cases.

And that’s why keeping the country safe is the government’s overriding priority. And our plan means we’re committed to doing everything possible based on the advice of our world leading scientific experts to prepare for all eventualities.

Let’s not forget – we already have a fantastic NHS, fantastic testing systems and fantastic surveillance of the spread of disease.

We will make sure the NHS gets all the support it needs to continue their brilliant response to the virus so far.

The plan does not set out what the government will do, it sets out the steps we could take at the right time along the basis of the scientific advice.

Our country remains extremely well prepared, as it has been since the outbreak began in Wuhan several months ago.

Finally, crucially, we must not forget what we can all do to fight this virus, which is to wash our hands, you knew I was going to say this, but wash our hands with soap and water. And forgive me for repeating this but there will be people who will be tuning into this for the first time: wash your hands with soap and hot water for the length of time it takes to sing Happy Birthday twice.

It’s simple advice but it’s the single most important thing we can do, as I think our experts would attest.

But at this stage, and with the exception of all of the points I have just mentioned, I want to stress that for the vast majority of the people of this country, we should be going about our business as usual.

Coronavirus_action_plan_-_a_guide_to_what_you_can_expect_across_the_UK

Coronavirus update

The First Minister attended a UK Government COBR meeting and chaired a meeting of the Scottish Government’s Resilience Committee (SGoRR) yesterday to discuss preparations for coronavirus (COVID-19) following confirmation of a first case in Scotland.

At the COBR meeting a four nations Action Plan to tackle the virus was agreed. This will be published in each area today with Scottish-specific information made available alongside the four nations plan.

The Cabinet Secretary for Health will make a statement to Parliament this  afternoon.

At SGoRR Ministers were updated on plans preparedness across all sectors in Scotland.

There have been a total of 815 negative test results in Scotland and one positive test result since the start of the outbreak in Wuhan in China.

According to Scottish and UK protocol all patients presenting with a history and symptoms which may be suggestive of coronavirus will be isolated in hospital or at home and appropriate infection prevention and control measures put in place until tests are confirmed.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “The patient who tested positive for COVID-19 is clinically well and is being treated in hospital. I would like to thank the NHS for its response and all of the health professionals involved in the patient’s care and treatment.

“Scotland has been planning for  coronavirus for some time. We expect a significant outbreak in the weeks to come but it is important to note that we are still in a containment phase of the virus. This is where we take all of the steps that we can to contain the infection and prevent it taking hold within the community.

“This phase is particularly important because there is currently no specific treatment or vaccine for coronavirus. Early detection measures will continue to be vital in helping to prevent the spread of the virus – everyone can play their part by following the latest health and travel advice, and following basic hygiene precautions, such as washing hands frequently, not touching their face and covering their nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.”

The UK Government will lay out its plans to contain the spread of coronavirus later today. These include possible school closures, event cancellations and bringing NHS staff out of retirement.

INTERNATIONAL EFFORT TO CONTAIN THE VIRUS

United Nations Humanitarian Chief Mark Lowcock has released US$15 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to help fund global efforts to contain the COVID-19 virus.

The announcement came as the World Health Organization (WHO) upgraded the global risk of the coronavirus outbreak to “very high” – its top level of risk assessment. The WHO has said there is still a chance of containing the virus if its chain of transmission is broken.

The sudden increases of cases in Italy, the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of Korea are deeply concerning. There are now cases linked to Iran in Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait and Oman, along with cases linked to Italy in Algeria, Austria, Croatia, Germany, Spain and Switzerland.

The UN funding has been released to the WHO and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). It will fund essential activities including monitoring the spread of the virus, investigating cases, and the operation of national laboratories.

The WHO has called for US$675 million to fund the fight against coronavirus. There is a window of opportunity to contain the spread of the virus if countries take robust measures to detect cases early, isolate and care for patients, and trace contacts.

Emergency Relief Coordinator and Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Mark Lowcock said yesterday: “We do not yet see evidence that the virus is spreading freely. As long as that’s the case, we still have a chance of containing it.

“But swift and robust action must be taken to detect cases early, isolate and care for patients, and trace contacts. We must act now to stop this virus from putting more lives at risk.

“This grant from the UN’s Emergency Fund will help countries with fragile health systems boost their detection and response operations. It has the potential to save the lives of millions of vulnerable people.”

This is a critical juncture in the outbreak. The focus is on containing COVID-19 by strengthening surveillance, conducting thorough outbreak investigations to identify contacts and applying appropriate measures to prevent further spread.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, said: “The potential spread of the virus to countries with weaker health systems is one of our biggest concerns.

“These funds will help support these countries get ready for detecting and isolating cases, protecting their health workers, and treating patients with dignity and appropriate care. This will help us save lives and push back the virus.”

UNICEF is leading on preventative actions in communities across the affected countries with risk communication, providing hygiene and medical kits to schools and health clinics and monitoring the impact of the outbreak to support continuity of care, education and social services.

“At this pivotal moment, every effort must be made to push back against the outbreak,” said UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore. “These crucial funds will support our global efforts to bolster weaker health systems and inform children, pregnant women and families about how to protect themselves.”

Since it was launched in 2006, CERF has provided more than $6 billion to over 100 countries and helped hundreds of millions of people.

 

Coronavirus: First case in Scotland

A patient has been diagnosed with coronavirus (COVID-19) in Scotland. Following a positive test result for the virus, the patient has been admitted to hospital and is now receiving treatment in isolation.

There are now 36 cases across the UK.

The patient is a resident of the Tayside area and has recently travelled from northern Italy. Clinicians have already begun contact tracing, the process of gathering details of the places they have visited and the people they have been in contact with since returning to the UK.

It is important to note that this does not involve people the patient may have passed on the street or in a shop as the risk in these situations is very low. Close contact involves either face to face contact or spending more than 15 minutes within two metres of an infected person.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon chaired a meeting of the Scottish Government Resilience Committee (SGoRR) last night and will be taking part in the UK Government’s resilience (COBR) meeting chaired by the Prime Minister this morning.

Further cases are expected in Scotland and SGoRR will meet again later today.

There have been a total of 698 negative test results in Scotland since the start of the outbreak in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China.

According to Scottish and UK protocol all patients presenting with a history and symptoms which may be suggestive of coronavirus will be isolated and appropriate infection prevention and control measures put in place.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “Our first thoughts must be with the patient diagnosed with coronavirus, I wish them a speedy recovery.

“Scotland is well-prepared for a significant outbreak of coronavirus but there is currently no treatment or vaccine. Early detection measures will continue to be vital in helping to prevent the spread of the virus.

“People have a vital role to play in helping us contain any outbreak by following the latest health and travel advice, and following basic hygiene precautions, such as washing hands frequently, not touching their face and covering their nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.” 

Scotland’s Chief Medical Officer Dr Catherine Calderwood said: “Firstly our thoughts are with the person who has been diagnosed, and with their family. I would like to thank all the health professionals who continue to be involved in their care and treatment.

“Scotland is well equipped to deal with infections of this kind. We have a proven track record of dealing with challenging health issues, and have been preparing for this possibility since the beginning of the outbreak in Wuhan.

“This is peak season for respiratory and flu-like illness. There will be people presenting with symptoms of acute respiratory illness but these cases are highly unlikely to be coronavirus (COVID-19).

“We practice and prepare our response to disease outbreaks and follow tried and tested procedures, following the highest safety standards possible for the protection of NHS staff, patients and the public.”

The positive sample has been sent to Public Health England’s Colindale laboratory in London for a confirmatory test. Scottish Laboratories will send all positive samples to Public Health England’s WHO designated Colindale laboratory for confirmatory testing.

Advice for travellers who have visited affected areas is available at NHS Inform.

More advice on travel can be found on Fit for Travel and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

NHS Inform Q&A

Up to date information on the situation in Scotland is being published by Scottish Government.

Coronavirus: ‘Drive through’ testing introduced

Testing arrangements for coronavirus are being expanded across Scotland. 

Health boards are implementing a range of different methods for people in their areas to access testing. This ranges from testing in contained areas at local health centres, to community testing in the home, and ‘drive-through’ testing in some areas.

NHS Lothian is the latest health board to introduce ‘drive through’ testing, where patients with mild symptoms drive themselves to a contained area of the Western General hospital for testing, enabling them to avoid public transport or walking.

However the drive-in initiaitve is NOT for self-referalls.

Dr Tracey Gillies, medical director at NHS Lothian, stressed: “This service is for patients who have been assessed by the specialist team so it is an appointment-only service. It is not a drop-in clinic and it is important to stress that patients cannot be seen without an appointment.

“The drive-through facility and the community testing teams allow us to test patients without them coming into healthcare facilities. Patients will be referred on by their GP or NHS 24 if they are at risk of the virus and meet the clinical criteria.

“They will then be referred on to our teams, who will decide whether they need to be tested in their own homes or if they are well enough and can use their own transport to drive to the Western General Hospital.”

Other boards are running community testing, which allows people to be tested in their own home where appropriate. This involves staff from public health teams attending people’s homes in protective suits to provide testing, and offer advice to anyone displaying symptoms.

It follows the introduction of specialised coronavirus screening laboratories in Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Catherine Calderwood said: “Although all test results have come back negative so far, it is only a matter of time before there is a positive case in Scotland. 

“Our priority is to ensure testing facilities are available across Scotland, so we have asked health boards to explore options for people in their area depending on their needs. Methods of testing will be different depending on factors like population and geography.

“Scotland is well-prepared to deal with coronavirus. We need the public to help contain spread by keeping themselves informed of the latest health and travel advice, and taking basic hygiene precautions such as hand-washing, not touching their face and covering their nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing and binning the tissue straight away.”

NHS England news release on drive through testing

The Scottish Government and NHS Scotland are well-prepared to deal with a potential coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and are working with the UK Government, Wales and Northern Ireland to publish a coordinated response.

In the coming days the four nations will jointly publish an updated action plan on the response of the health care system and the public to coronavirus. The document will outline the steps that will be taken to manage coronavirus if there is a sustained epidemic.

The Scottish Government is also participating in the UK wide launch of an updated public information campaign this week. It will feature posters and social media adverts to reinforce the importance of hand-washing, for 20 seconds or more with water and soap, to prevent the spread of the virus.

In addition, the Scottish Government has:

• stood up its Resilience Room (SGoRR) with both Ministers and officials meeting regularly to ensure the country is prepared
• participated and engaged in UK Government COBR activity
• developed emergency regulations to ensure coronavirus is a notifiable disease
• implemented a training programme and trained Scottish Ambulance Service staff to support the transport of patients that may be infectious
• established two laboratories in Scotland (Glasgow and Edinburgh) to manage an increase in testing
• delivered face masks to GP practices as a precautionary measure
• developed and issued guidance to clinicians as well as sector specific information to schools, universities, ports and airports to ensure members of the public are alerted to the latest clinical information
• established a dedicated helpline within NHS 24 to provide members of the public with the opportunity to receive information and discuss concerns
• developed an online resource via NHS Inform that can be accessed 24/7

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said: “In Scotland we have a proven track record of dealing with challenging health issues and while all tests have so far come back negative, it is highly likely that we will see a positive case soon as coronavirus continues to spread around the world.

“As part of our efforts we are working with the UK Government, Wales and Northern Ireland to publish a coordinated response in the coming days.

“Staff across the Scottish Government, its agencies and key partners are stepping up work to deal with the potential consequences of a coronavirus outbreak. This includes prioritising key activity to keep Scotland running should the situation change, but also to ensure that all sectors can play their part in managing the response.

“Led by the Chief Medical Officer, Dr Catherine Calderwood, our clinicians and Health Protection Scotland are working closely with their counterparts across the UK to guarantee a consistent and joined up approach.

“We will continue to ensure we are as prepared as possible for the likelihood of coronavirus cases in Scotland and will continue to work with health boards, local authorities and other governments across the UK in ensuring that plans and preparations are in place to respond.”

The UK has 23 confirmed cases – none so far in Scotland – but there are warnings more will inevitably follow.

Coronavirus: Scottish case ‘likely’

Preparations for a coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in Scotland have been accelerated, as the virus continues to spread beyond China.

Several European countries have announced their first coronavirus cases. The cases in Austria, Croatia and Switzerland all  appear to be linked to the growing outbreak in Italy, where there are now more than 300 cases with eleven deaths.

The first positive virus test has also been recorded in South America, where a Brazilian resident just returned from Italy.

The Scottish rugby team played a Six Nations international match in Italy on Saturday but the corresponding Women’s game was postponed.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon chaired a Scottish Government Resilience meeting (SGoRR) to discuss preparedness in Scotland yesterday. 

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman, who also attended the meeting, said: “Though the risk to individuals remain low, and all test results have come back negative so far, the Chief Medical Officer has advised that it is highly likely that we will see a positive case in Scotland as coronavirus continues to spread.

“We are expecting an outbreak and are working hard to ensure we have plans in place to contain it as best we can. The NHS and Health Protection Scotland have an established plan to respond to anyone who becomes unwell.

“Scotland is well-prepared for a significant outbreak of coronavirus but there is currently no treatment or vaccine. Therefore, preventing the spread of any outbreak will be vital, and the Scottish Government is working closely with NHS Scotland and Health Protection Scotland to ensure this.

“We have a proven track record of dealing with challenging health issues and have public health and infectious disease experts working intensively on these issues.

“The public also has a vital role to play in helping us contain any outbreak by following the latest health and travel advice, and following basic hygiene precautions, such as washing hands and covering their nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.”

Preparations in Scotland to date include:

  • the establishment of two testing laboratories in Glasgow and Edinburgh to speed up identification of confirmed cases
  • Supplying GP surgeries with face masks and ensuring hospitals are fully stocked with personal protective equipment
  • Updating of public health legislation to make coronavirus a notifiable disease

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

Updates on public health advice for coronavirus can be found on the NHS Inform website, and a free helpline has also been set up for those who do not have symptoms but are looking for general health advice: 0800 028 2816.

For the general public who are planning to travel abroad, guidance can be found on fitfortravel. Where a COVID-19 risk is identified then country pages will be updated.

Anyone who has arrived in the UK from the areas listed below since 19 February is advised to stay indoors and avoid contact with other people, even if they do not have symptoms. Those who have returned from these areas and display or develop symptoms should  phone their GP or NHS24 on 111 out of hours:

  • Iran
  • specific lockdown areas in Northern Italy as designated by the Government of Italy
  • special care zones in South Korea as designated by the Government of the Republic of Korea
  • the Hubei province in China

For South Korea, anyone who visited the two cities at the centre of the outbreak, Daegu and Cheongdo, is advised to self-isolate for 14 days, even if they do not have symptoms.

For Iran, all returning travellers are requested to self-isolate, even if they do not have symptoms.

For northern Italy, all travellers returning from specific lockdown areas identified by the Italian Government are advised to self-isolate, even if they do not have symptoms.

Any other travellers returning from parts of Italy north of Pisa, Florence and Rimini in the past week are asked to monitor their health, and self-isolate if they develop symptoms.

Anyone who has travelled to the UK from Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam is also now advised to monitor their health, and self-isolate if they develop symptoms.

Public health advice to reduce the risk of acquiring and spreading respiratory infections by practising good respiratory hygiene, includes:

  • avoiding direct hand contact with your eyes, nose and mouth
  • maintaining good hand hygiene – washing hands with soap and water or alcohol hand sanitiser, after coughing or sneezing, after going to the toilet, and prior to eating and drinking
  • wherever possible avoid direct contact with people that have a respiratory illness and avoid using their personal items such as their mobile phone
  • when coughing or sneezing cover your nose and mouth with disposable tissues and dispose of them in the nearest waste bin after use