Tag: coronavirus

First people receive Oxford / AstraZeneca vaccine

The first people will receive the Oxford University/AstraZeneca Covid vaccine today as the NHS expands COVID-19 vaccination programmes across the UK.

The NHS is the first health service in the world to deploy the life-saving jab, which has been authorised by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) after meeting strict standards of safety, quality and effectiveness. It is the only approved vaccine which can be stored at fridge temperatures.

The Government has secured access to 100 million doses of the vaccine on behalf of the whole of the UK, crown dependencies and Overseas Territories.

More than half a million doses are available today, with tens of millions more to be delivered in the coming weeks and months once batches have been quality checked by the MHRA. More than 730 vaccination sites have already been established across the UK and hundreds more are opening this week to take the total to over 1,000, helping those who are most at risk from Covid-19 to access vaccines for free, regardless of where they live.

UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: “I am delighted that today we are rolling out the Oxford vaccine – a testament to British science. This is a pivotal moment in our fight against this awful virus and I hope it provides renewed hope to everybody that the end of this pandemic is in sight.

“Through its vaccine delivery plan the NHS is doing everything it can to vaccinate those most at risk as quickly as possible and we will rapidly accelerate our vaccination programme.

“While the most vulnerable are immunised, I urge everybody to continue following the restrictions so we can keep cases down and protect our loved ones.”

The first Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccinations will be delivered at hospitals for the first few days, as is standard practice, before the bulk of supplies are sent to hundreds of GP-led services and care homes later in the week.

More than a million people in the UK have already been vaccinated with the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine and its roll out will continue at pace.

The Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine can be stored at fridge temperatures, between two to eight degrees, making it easier to distribute to care homes and other locations across the UK. The vaccines will be deployed through:

  • hospital hubs for NHS and care staff and older patients to get vaccinated
  • local community services with local teams and GPs already signing up to take part in the programme
  • vaccination centres across the country, ensuring people can access a vaccine regardless of where they live

An army of current and former NHS staff have applied to become vaccinators, with tens of thousands having already completed their online training. These are being processed as quickly as possible and volunteer vaccinators will be deployed as more vaccine supplies become available. GPs and local vaccination services have been asked to ensure every care home resident in their local area is vaccinated by the end of January.

The MHRA, Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) and the four UK Chief Medical Officers agreed to delay the gap between the first and second dose of vaccines to protect the greatest number of people in the shortest amount of time.

In line with the recommendations of the JCVI, the vaccine will be rolled out to the priority groups including care home residents and staff, people over 80 and health and care workers, then to the rest of the population in order of age and risk, including those who are clinically extremely vulnerable.

82 year old dialysis patient Brian Pinker received the first vaccination at Oxford’s Churchill Hospital at 7:30 this morning. The foundation hospital is barely a mile from the research labs where the breakthrough vaccine was discovered and developed last year.

There are more than 730 vaccination sites across the UK – and all will be rolling out the new vaccine over the coming days.

Patients in Tayside have been among the first in Scotland to receive the Oxford/Astrazeneca coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine.

The vaccine was approved for use in the UK by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) on 30 December and is being made available to distribution centres through the country.

NHS Tayside is rolling out the vaccines through GP practices in the community, while continuing to vaccinate elderly residents and staff in care homes.

The Astrazeneca vaccine was procured on behalf of the four nations by the UK Government, who have ordered 100 million doses, of which Scotland will get 8.2% based on its population.

As with the Pfizer vaccine, this second vaccine provides an important additional layer of protection to all adults but particularly those most at risk from serious illness and death from COVID-19.  With age as the greatest risk factor, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) have retained the same phase 1 priority list for both vaccines. 

The priority now is to vaccinate as many people with their first dose as quickly as possible, working through that priority list and the advice that the second dose for both vaccines can be given up to 12 weeks after the first means we can maximise this protection quicker than planned.  The second dose remains critical for longer term protection and to complete the course.

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said: “Seeing the Astrazeneca vaccine being administered to people in the community aged over 80 is a good way to start the New Year and I’m grateful to everyone in NHS Tayside and boards across the country for their work in preparing for the delivery of this newest vaccine.

“Oxford AstraZeneca has the advantage of being much easier to store and transport, which means it is easier to administer in local settings. We are also expecting to receive it in significantly larger quantities than the Pfizer vaccine.

“When it is your turn to be vaccinated you will be contacted by your local health board and I urge you to please take up the offer.

“While vaccination is one of the most important tools we have as we work our way out of this pandemic, we must all continue our work to suppress the virus in Scotland. This means rigorously complying with the restrictions where we live and making sure we continue to wear face coverings, maintain 2m distance from others outside our own household and wash our hands regularly.

“These three strands – following all we need to do to suppress the virus, using our expanded testing programme to identify cases and break chains of transmission and rolling out vaccination as fast as supplies allow – are the three critical actions that will see us move, step by step, to a brighter year ahead.”

Associate Director of Public Health Dr Daniel Chandler, Immunisations Co-ordinator, who is overseeing the roll out of the COVID-19 vaccination programme in Tayside said: “The efforts of our vaccination teams have been amazing and it is testament to a real whole team approach that sees the first over-80s in the general population have their jabs today in Tayside.

“The availability and mobility of the Oxford Astrazeneca vaccine gives us the opportunity to start to roll out the biggest vaccine programme that the UK has ever seen across our communities. Over-80s are the first priority group and patients will be contacted directly to attend a vaccination session.

“Today’s commencement of the community roll-out marks an important next phase in our response to COVID-19. It will act to suppress the virus in our communities to protect those who are most vulnerable, but the plea from all of us in the NHS is keep sticking with all the guidance.”

James Shaw (82), who was one of the first to be vaccinated alongside his wife Malita, also 82, said: “My wife and I are delighted to be receiving this vaccination. I have asthma and bronchitis and I have been desperate to have it so I am really pleased to be one of the first to be getting it. 

“I know it takes a little while for the vaccine to work but after today I know that I will feel a bit less worried about going out. I will still be very careful and avoid busy places but knowing I have been vaccinated will really help me.

“All of my friends have said they are going to have the vaccine when it is their turn and I would encourage everyone who is offered this vaccination to take it.”

Tougher Covid restrictions likely as First Minister recalls Holyrood

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon Nicola Sturgeon is likely to announce tougher coronavirus restrictions this afternoon as the virus continues to run riot across the country.

Ms Sturgeon has called an urgent Cabinet meeting this morning and will address the Holyrood Parliament this afternoon.

2464 new cases were reported in Scotland yesterday and, with the new strain of the virus a particular concern, it’s understood that the cabinet will consider further delays to the return to school as well as other measures to contain the spread.

Current plans for Edinburgh pupils returning to school:

On 26 December, Level 4 COVID-19 restrictions came into force for mainland Scotland. This means that there are changes to the start of next term for children and young people.

6 to 8 January 2020

  • School will be closed for most pupils.

Children of key workers and vulnerable children

  • There will be support for children of key workers at their own school/nursery IF both parents/carers meet the criteria – read Scottish Government guidance on key workers.
  • All parents will receive an email about this on 22 December. If you meet the criteria, please apply online for a place by 3 January. Your child’s school will confirm places on 5 January.
  • Schools will also contact families to offer places for vulnerable children.

11 to 15 January 2020

  • Remote / online learning for all other pupils, at home.
  • Children of key workers and vulnerable children can continue to attend their own school if they have a place.
  • If your child attends a Special School, the head teacher will contact you by 6 January with the arrangements for that school from 11 January.

18 January 2020

  • All pupils return to school, unless further changes are announced by the Scottish Government.

When pupils return to school

When children return to school, it is essential that everyone follows infection control measures, especially:

  • face coverings (where appropriate)
  • hand-washing
  • two-metre distancing where possible.

NB: These plans are subject to change by Scottish Government.

Barclay’s COVID-19 cash gives £250,000 boost to healthcare staff

After one of the most challenging years in memory, hard-pressed staff at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde have been given a very special gift to round off 2021 … a much-needed spot of R&R!

Banking giant Barclays has donated £250,000 to the health board as part of its efforts to help people and communities most impacted by COVID-19, and the money is to be spent on our network of Staff Rest and Recuperation Hubs.

These much-loved spaces help those who work within NHSGGC to recharge and recover from the stresses of their job. They are places to chat to colleagues, eat, exercise or just out your feet up in peace and quiet.

In addition, each hub provides psychological support to help staff cope with the challenges of their job.

Anne MacPherson, Director of Human Resources and Organisational Development at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: “We would like to thank Barclays for their generous donation, and we are delighted that it is being put to such good use.

“COVID-19 has touched every one of us in some way and our staff have been working tirelessly throughout the pandemic to support our patients and their loved ones, our colleagues and, ultimately, our local communities, so to be recognised in this way is very welcome.

“This donation will make a real difference to NHSGGC and our workforce, and it is a lovely way to round off such a challenging year.”

The donation came after NHSGGC was named as a charity partner for the bank’s £100 million Community Aid Package – a funding scheme to help those most in need in the UK, the Americans, Asia and Europe. In the UK the money will go towards meeting the needs of low-income families, those facing financial hardship, isolated elderly people, NHS staff and key workers.

Scott Stewart, Head of Barclays Scotland, said: “This crisis has had an unprecedented impact across the UK and we know this is an incredibly challenging time for many across Glasgow and surrounding area. By reaching those most in need of support, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has played a vital role in this crisis to date, and will continue do so.

“As a proud member of our community, and with a growing presence in Glasgow where we are investing in a new home for Barclays in Scotland, we are doing everything we can for our customers, clients and colleagues, and we hope that our partnership with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde will allow many others to access the help they need as this crisis develops.”

  • The Barclays £100m COVID-19 Community Aid Package is supporting charities that are helping vulnerable people impacted by COVID-19, and the associated social and economic hardship caused by the crisis.
  • Alongside matching colleague donations and fundraising efforts, Barclays is partnering with a number of charities in the UK, Americas, Asia and Europe, delivering help where it is needed most.
  • You can find the latest list of charity partners here.

Edinburgh College New Year Plans

The College closed for the festive break on Friday 18 December and staff will return to working from home on Wednesday 6 January. During the festive break, all campuses will be closed and staff will be taking a well-deserved break.

Plans for January 2021

The Scottish Government announced that all of mainland Scotland will move into protection level 4 from Boxing Day (Saturday 26 December), initially for a three-week period. This is expected to remain in place until at least Monday 18 January 2021.

To best protect the Edinburgh College community, online classes are planned to resume during the week commencing Monday 11 January. It is important that nobody comes onto any of our campuses unless they are told to do so.

Students are encouraged to use Wednesday 6 – Friday 8 January to re-engage with our online learning platforms, access student support services, and prepare for the new term.

We will provide more information for staff and students on plans for the start of term in the new year. Please continue to check our channels for updates.

Staying safe during the festive period

It’s important that we all take extra care to mitigate the risk of transmission of COVID-19 over the festive period.

We must all follow the latest advice and guidance provided by the Scottish Government on keeping safe during this time.

Find out more information about protection level 4 rules.

Looking after our wellbeing during the festive period

We know that this time of year can be difficult for some, please remember that you can access support during the festive break.

The SilverCloud mental health and wellbeing platform is available to all staff and students and offers a wide-range of self-help programmes for people who may need support during this time. You can access it here.

Click here for a list of a list of external organisations you can contact for various levels of support during the festive period.

Staying informed

Please continue to check our College Communications channels including College emails, the MyEC app, Edinburgh College website and social media for the latest updates from the College – in case the situation changes. We may also contact you via your personal email or text message for any urgent updates.

Slight drop in COVID numbers

Scottish numbers: 2 January 2021

Summary

  • 2,137 new cases of COVID-19 reported yesterday (Satuday)
  • 21,451 new tests for COVID-19 that reported results – 10.8% of these were positive

During 1 to 4 January, daily updates will be published to provide the latest data on the number of new cases of COVID-19 and the test positivity rate. During this period (1 to 4 January) there will be no updates to the remaining statistics – you can access the latest available data in the sections below and in the trends excel file. Following the next holiday weekend, we will update on Tuesday 5 January – we will provide the latest daily data for that day and the previous 4 days.

Local area data

  • Public Health Scotland’s interactive dashboard now provides a map showing the number of cases in local areas, as well as trends for local authorities and NHS boards

Recover and Reset: TUC General Secretary’s New Year message

In her New Year message, TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady thanks key workers for keeping the country running through the pandemic. And she calls on the government to invest in levelling up all parts of the UK and achieving full employment: 

Amid the grief and hardship of the pandemic, 2020 will be remembered for everyone together out on the doorstep to celebrate our key workers. 

We all knew who kept this country running through the pandemic. Not hedge fund chiefs, corporate outsourcing giants or government ministers. 

But supermarket staff, delivery drivers, telecoms workers, bus drivers, social care workers, health professionals and all our key workers. 

Ordinary working people stepping up to do their jobs in extraordinary times. 

And yet, even as we applauded them, this government let them down. 

Leaving them to struggle in services threadbare after ten years of austerity cuts, too often short staffed and with inadequate PPE. And then, adding insult to injury, freezing their pay.  

So our wish for 2021 can be expressed in two short words: recover and reset.  

New Year hope comes in the form of a vaccine, created by brilliant scientists and delivered by our precious NHS. 

And this is the time to genuinely level up across the UK 

But to do that, government must come up with a realistic plan. 

The chaos has to stop. 

This festive season, across much of the country, pubs and restaurants are silent, high streets deserted, theatres closed and whole sectors in limbo. We face another national lockdown. 

With the new strain of the virus spreading so fast, the roll-out of the vaccine must be more comprehensive and faster too – before a real recovery is possible. 

And all at a time when trade with our nearest neighbours in the EU is set to become more expensive and more bureaucratic. 

Working people, and the businesses that employ them, urgently need transparency and security. 

We need to know that government will do what it takes to support working families – protect the NHS, save jobs and get the economy back on its feet. 

Throughout 2020’s national crisis, the UK’s trade union movement worked hard to protect livelihoods, and to support public health. We can be proud of the jobs we saved and the workplaces we made safe. 

Now we must make Britain’s economic goal for 2021 full and decent employment. We cannot afford the cost of mass unemployment. It is never a price worth paying. 

The chancellor must guarantee full furlough until we are through the crisis. 

He must invest in good new jobs – in the green tech we need to tackle climate change and in the public services we all rely on. 

And to smooth the disruption of the government’s third-rate Brexit deal, he needs to boost UK manufacturing with a £10bn recovery fund to create good new jobs. 

Real recovery must mean higher living standards for working families – not just those the top. So we need to reset our country too. 

Reset our labour market – banning the zero hours contracts that keep workers poor and powerless. Delivering the enhanced rights at work that ministers have long promised. 

Reset raging inequality so that those with most pay their fair share, everyone earns enough to live on, no child need go hungry and public services are properly funded. 

Reset regional divides – levelling up our country and bringing good jobs and investment to the parts of the country that need them most.  

And government must act to end the systemic racism that harms Black and ethnic minority workers and families.  Whatever our race, religion or background, all working people deserve dignity and fairness at work. 

Recover and reset. That’s how we build a society that works for everyone. 

In 2021, trade unions will be out there fighting for that vision, for our members, and for all working people. 

I wish you, your family and workmates happiness, good health and security in 2021 and always. 

Think twice and follow the rules

Public urged: stay in and stay safe

A public health consultant from NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has warned New Year revellers to stay in and stay safe this weekend, amid great concern over recent very large increases in cases linked to the new variant of coronavirus.

Normally at this time of year, thousands of party-goers would be heading out on to the town and to house parties to celebrate New Year and the final weekend of the festive season, but in an attempt to prevent an explosion of cases, people are being asked not to even think about this.

Dr Daniel Carter, Consultant in Public Health Medicine at NHSGGC, said staying in this weekend was of critical importance, now more than ever. “There are very large increases in cases across GGC and particularly in areas such as Inverclyde which previously had relatively low levels,” he said. 

“This is due to people still mixing together and the new variant of the virus that spreads more easily. We urge everyone not to mix with anyone other than their own household at this time of such sharp increases in cases.”

He went on to remind people that we will soon be able to be vaccinated and so this harsh warning is also at time when we can say it won’t be for much longer. 

“Whilst these constraints are hard on everyone, they are there for a good reason – to protect you, your friends and your family.”

Earlier this week, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon warned that the new variant – thought to spread much faster than the virus which first appeared in Scotland in the Spring – was quickly becoming the dominant COVID strain, and said Scottish Government advice to stay home, save lives and protect the NHS was more important than ever.

Dr Carter added: ““We are all painfully aware of the huge human cost that the virus has inflicted on the people across Scotland, and of all the important events which we have missed this year. With vaccination now being rolled out there really is some light at the end of the tunnel – but we are not there yet.

“Please keep that – and the safety of the most vulnerable in our society – in mind when you are deciding whether to go out or stay in this New Year.”

Dr Carter reminded people that, in addition to the current restrictions, the most effective way to keep us all safe from the virus was to follow the FACTS advice – wear a Face covering in enclosed spaces, Avoid crowded places, Clean hands and surfaces regularly, Two-metre distancing, and Self-isolate and seek a test immediately if you display symptoms.

Hogmanay appeal: celebrate safely at home

Police and council leaders have urged residents to adhere to national guidance as we welcome 2021.

Ahead of tonight’s midnight moment, Council Leader Adam McVey, Depute Leader Cammy Day and Police Scotland’s Deputy Chief Constable Malcolm Graham, are reminding residents to adhere to the ongoing level 4 restrictions in the Capital.

Deputy Chief Constable Malcolm Graham, said: We’re asking everyone to continue to do the right thing to stop the spread of this virus and protect public health as it’s clear that there is an ongoing risk.

“Remember that parties and indoor gatherings of different households are not permitted and we will continue to use our enforcement powers to disperse large groups of people where necessary.

“Our approach throughout the pandemic has been to engage with the public, explain the legislation and guidance, and encourage compliance, but we will not hesitate to continue to use our enforcement powers as a last resort.

“Please follow the Scottish Government’s advice, which is to celebrate Hogmanay and the New Year with your own household only, in your own home.”

Council Leader Adam McVey said: “The best and safest place to celebrate Hogmanay this year is at home.

“Cases have increased significantly so please don’t go round to friends’ houses and keep adhering to the guidance – more gatherings at Hogmanay will cause increased risk to people across the Capital and in particular our NHS staff and services.

“Following the rules now is the quickest way to get restrictions lifted and hopefully we can look back at this Hogmanay as one of our final sacrifices in the battle against the virus.

“As 2020 comes to a close and with the roll out of vaccines underway, we can look more positively towards 2021. But for now, and this Hogmanay, please keep following the guidance, please stay at home and keep yourself and others safe.”

Deputy Leader Cammy Day said: Public safety must be our top priority as we continue the fight against Covid-19 and, by following the guidance as you have done so admirably since it began, you can play your part once more.

“We’ve worked closely with Underbelly and other partners to produce a fitting online celebration of Hogmanay and, having already paid tribute to our NHS and frontline workers with a fantastic pyrotechnic show on the Castle Esplanade, I would encourage everyone to tune in to the finale of the UK’s largest swarm drone display as we bid Fare Well to 2020. It’s a truly spectacular and moving show, befitting of Edinburgh’s status as the Home of Hogmanay.

“Let’s see out the year safely and look forward to a better and more positive 2021.”

Following the cancellation of the world famous street party, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay has moved to an entirely online celebration with a series of spectacular ‘moments’ that can be watched from home.

Featuring the UK’s largest swarm drone show, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay will bring to life an exciting new piece of writing by award-winning poet and Scots Makar, Jackie Kay. Fare Well is split into three, 5-minute parts, that can be viewed online at 7pm tonight.

Full details of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations can be found at www.edinburghshogmanay.com

First Minister ‘glad to see the back of 2020’

‘To be clear: that means no gatherings, no house parties, and no first footing.‘

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon updated the Scottish Parliament yesterday:

I will give a short update on today’s statistics and a few other issues. The total number of positive cases reported yesterday was 2,045. That represents 11.3% of the total number of tests, and takes the total number of confirmed cases in Scotland to 124,831.

That is a significant number of new cases, and it demonstrates the severity of the situation we face right now. 

1,133 people are currently in hospital – 41 more than yesterday. And 69 people are in intensive care, which is four more than yesterday.

I’m also sad to report that 43 additional deaths have been registered in the last 24 hours of patients who had tested positive. In total, 137 deaths have been registered in the past seven days. That takes total number of deaths, under this daily measurement, to 4,510.

National Records of Scotland have not published their usual weekly update today because not all registration offices have been open throughout the festive period.  However, the figures published last week showed that the total number of deaths is now over 6,000.

Each one of those deaths is heartbreaking. And so again, I want to send my condolences to everyone who has lost a loved one.

There are three other issues I want to cover today.

The first is the Oxford/Astra Zeneca vaccine that has today been authorised for supply in the UK by the medicines regulator.

This is really good news. 

It means there are now two effective Covid vaccines available for use in the UK.   

The Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine is also logistically easier to deliver than the Pfizer one.

And, crucially, the UK has secured a much higher number of doses of this vaccine.

It is also now recommended that the second dose of both vaccines can be given up to 12 weeks after the first, rather then three.

That means we can now prioritise providing a first dose to as many people as possible – rather than providing the required two doses in as short a time as possible.

This will allow more people to be vaccinated more quickly.

We have been preparing for the deployment of the Oxford/Astrazeneca vaccine for some time and I can confirm that it will be administered in Scotland from Monday.

As of Sunday, more than 92,000 people have already received their first shot of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. 

But today’s news means that more people will get their first dose of a Covid vaccine, sooner than anticipated. 

The second issue I want to touch on are the restrictions now in place across the country.

On Boxing Day, Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles, and some other island communities moved to Level 3 protections. At the same time, the rest of Scotland – the vast majority – moved to level 4. 

This is not the way that any of us wanted to end 2020 – or start the new year.  But these new restrictions reflect the severity of the threat posed by this new variant.

Analysis done by Public Health Scotland shows that, yesterday, 42.8% of positive tests processed for Scotland in the Lighthouse Laboratory Network had the S gene drop out that is indicative of the new strain.

That is a higher than the 38% suggested by ONS analysis for week beginning 14 December. And that in turn compared to just six per cent at the end of November.

So this new strain appears to be fast becoming the dominant one in Scotland.

And that is obviously a cause for real concern – given that it is thought to be significantly more transmissible.

As I indicated before Christmas, the severity of this challenge means we can’t rule out the need for restrictions that are even tighter than the current level 4.

We continue to assess the situation carefully, on a daily basis, and will keep Parliament updated should any changes be required over the remainder of the festive period. 

As we learn more about the new variant, we also continue to review when pupils can safely return to classrooms.

The new strain has already made a normal scheduled return impossible but we continue to assess whether it will be possible to reopen schools as planned on 18 January.

That is what we all want and, to be clear, that remains our planning assumption. But we will continue to put the safety of pupils, teachers and staff first.  And we will ensure as much notice as possible to parents of any changes we consider to be necessary.

For now, of course, it is vital that we all do as much as possible to suppress transmission.

That means limiting our interactions with people in other households, beyond those which are absolutely essential.

To remind everyone, our very strong advice is that people should stay at home just now, as much as possible.  And when we do go out, we should stay as close to home as possible.

With a few limited exceptions, none of us should be visiting each other’s homes right now.

None of us should be travelling to other local authority areas – unless it’s for an essential purpose. 

And there must be no non-essential travel between Scotland and other parts of the UK.  That advice also applies to overseas travel.

We should also remember the FACTS advice:

  • face coverings
  • avoid crowded places
  • clean hands and surfaces
  • keep two metres distance from people from other households
  • and self-isolate, and get tested immediately, if you have symptoms.

Let me stress testing centres are open throughout the entire festive period.  So if you do experience Covid symptoms, please don’t wait.  Book a test immediately.

It’s worth noting that the NHS 24 Mental Health Hub is also open, over the festive period. 

Support of this kind is particularly vital, at a time when so many of us are missing loved ones and normal social interaction.  So if you feel the restrictions are affecting your mental health – and you need help or advice – please don’t hesitate to call the number 111. 

Finally today, I want to say a few words about Hogmanay. 

I know most of us, and I certainly speak for myself here, will be glad to see the back of 2020.  

And today’s news about the new vaccine should give all of us greater hope for the year ahead.  

But for now, it is really vital to do everything we can to suppress this virus.

To keep ourselves and our loved ones safe. And to protect the NHS.

So we must mark this new year responsibly and in line with the restrictions in place.

To be clear, that means no gatherings, no house parties, and no first footing. 

Instead, we should bring in 2021 in our own homes with just our own household.  

This new strain is very serious – I cannot stress that enough. 

And our prospects for the rest of the year will be better if we get off to a safe start. 

So I urge everyone to be responsible on Hogmanay.

I know it’s hard – particularly for young people. 

But it is how we best protect ourselves and our loved ones.

It helps the NHS too. And they need our help.

In Scotland, so far, the numbers in hospital and ICU are not at the peak of the first wave. But the NHS is under pressure.

So everything we do as individuals to stop this virus spreading helps reduce the number of people who will end up in hospital and ICU beds over the next few weeks.

And that really matters.

So as this awful year draws to a close, let me again thank everyone across Scotland for your sacrifice and patience, and for looking out for each other.

We do have every reason to believe that the spring of 2021 will bring better times. But we must first get through these difficult few weeks of winter.

So let’s stick with it, and keep looking after each other.

And let me wish everyone across the chamber, and at home, when it comes, a better, brighter and happier new year.

UK releases new emergency aid to help over 1.3 m vulnerable people

  • New UN data reveals humanitarian crises are worsening around the world, with 235 million people expected to be in need of urgent assistance compared to 175 million people at the start of 2020.
  • The UK is releasing an extra £47 million of aid to immediately provide food, nutrition, water and shelter for vulnerable families in nine countries and regions.
  • The UK is also lobbying international donors to provide more funding and working to ensure conflict parties allow humanitarian access for aid workers and ensure the protection of civilians.

The UK is releasing new emergency aid to help over 1.3 million vulnerable people in some of the world’s most dangerous places, who face daily threats of starvation, conflict and coronavirus.

Life-saving food, nutrition, water, childhood vaccinations and shelter will urgently help families caught in some of the largest humanitarian crises, including across the Sahel, Syria, South Sudan, Nigeria, Somalia, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Venezuela and Mozambique.

Humanitarian crises are getting worse according to UN data published earlier this month, compounded by the pandemic, with 235 million people expected to be in need of urgent assistance next year compared to 175 million people at the start of 2020.

The UN’s Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC)’s survey also shows that there are people in South Sudan and Yemen living in famine-like conditions today.

In September the Foreign Secretary announced a Call to Action to prevent famine, and appointed Nick Dyer as the UK Special Envoy on Famine Prevention and Humanitarian Affairs to drive this effort. Today’s extra aid announcement forms part of the UK’s continued leadership on addressing this global crisis.

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said: “Hundreds of millions of people living in the world’s largest humanitarian crises are struggling to survive, threatened by conflict, starvation and coronavirus.

“This extra emergency UK aid will mean people can feed their families and prevent these crises from escalating into widespread famine. We hope to see other donors step up to the plate with some extra funding to prevent these global crises getting worse.”

The extra UK aid announced today will help continue momentum and pressure other donors to step up with additional financing.

The UK has been sounding the alarm on this growing threat to millions of lives – with the dire situation in conflict and fragile states being exacerbated by economic recession, coronavirus and climate change. This is rapidly increasing the number of people in desperate need and more people than ever are going hungry.

The UK is combining its humanitarian expertise with its diplomatic power to build back stronger from coronavirus. We are using our seat on the UN Security Council to call for life-saving humanitarian access for everyone who needs it and hold countries to account on their international legal obligations to allow aid workers to operate impartially in conflict zones and support the protection of civilians.