Tag: coronavirus

Covid: Second vaccine approved

Oxford/AstaZeneca vaccine gets the green light

The UK Government has this morning accepted the recommendation from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to authorise Oxford University/AstraZeneca’s Covid-19 vaccine for use.

This follows rigorous clinical trials and a thorough analysis of the data by experts at the MHRA, which has concluded that the vaccine has met its strict standards of safety, quality and effectiveness.

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) will also publish its latest advice for the priority groups to receive this vaccine.

The NHS has a clear vaccine delivery plan and decades of experience in delivering large scale vaccination programmes. It has already vaccinated hundreds of thousands of patients with the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine and its roll out will continue. Now the NHS will begin putting their extensive preparations into action to roll out the Oxford University/AstraZeneca vaccine.

Health Minister Matt Hancock hailed the news as ‘a real British succes story’.

Throughout this global pandemic the UK Government says they have always been guided by the latest scientific advice.

Having studied evidence on both the Pfizer/BioNTech and Oxford University/AstraZeneca vaccines, the JCVI has advised the priority should be to give as many people in at-risk groups their first dose, rather than providing the required two doses in as short a time as possible.

Everyone will still receive their second dose and this will be within 12 weeks of their first. The second dose completes the course and is important for longer term protection.

From today the NHS across the UK will prioritise giving the first dose of the vaccine to those in the most high-risk groups. With two vaccines now approved, we will be able to vaccinate a greater number of people who are at highest risk, protecting them from the disease and reducing mortality and hospitalisation.

The JCVI’s independent advice is that this approach will maximise the benefits of both vaccines. It will ensure that more at-risk people are able to get meaningful protection from a vaccine in the coming weeks and months, reducing deaths and starting to ease pressure on our NHS.

To aid the success of the vaccination programme, it is vital everyone continues to play their part, abides by the restrictions in their area and remembers hands, face, space so we can suppress this virus and allow the NHS to do its work without being overwhelmed.

News of the second vaccine is timely – yesterday’s coronavirus figures were particularly grim. 53,135 new cases were reported across the UK on Tuesday. 1895 of these were in Scotland – our worst daily figure since the country was first hit by the virus back in February.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will make a statement later today. She is expected to welcome the Oxford/AstraZeneca announcement but will appeal to Scots to strictly adhere to current coronavirus guidelines over the New Year period.

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman has welcomed news that the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has approved the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine for use in the UK.

This means we can now proceed with arrangements for doses of the vaccine, which is the second coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine to be approved for use after the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine, to be made available to our distribution centres throughout Scotland.

The vaccine has been 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. We will begin to roll the vaccine out from 4th January, in the settings we have already been delivering in, moving out into more community settings from the 11th January.  

For this vaccine as for Pfizer, the intention is to provide an important 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. 

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.

Ms Freeman said: “At the end of a very difficult year this is a truly excellent piece of news. Oxford AstraZeneca has the major 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.

“With the four Chief Medical officers agreeing with the advice that we should prioritise delivering first vaccine doses to as many people on the JCVI Phase 1 priority list in the shortest possible timeframe, we are now able to maximise the impact of the vaccine programme in its primary aims of reducing mortality and hospitalisations for those at greatest risk.”

“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.

“Vaccination is one of the most important tools we have as we work our way out of this pandemic.  But as we vaccinate as many people as quickly as supplies allow, we have a new more transmissible strain of COVID-19. 

“That makes it vital that we all continue our  work to suppress the virus in Scotland, 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 spring and summer in 2021.”

Concerns over rising COVID numbers in Scotland

Testing centres open as normal over the holiday period

.Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms should not put off getting tested because of the holiday period, says National Clinical Director Professor Jason Leitch.

Testing centres are open as normal today and every day through the New Year holiday and it is essential that people with symptoms do not delay getting a test.

Delaying testing will hamper efforts to tackle the new variant of the virus which can spread far more quickly and easily.

967 cases were reported in Scotland yesterday and the average number of daily cases has been rising steadily since before Christmas.

Prof. Leitch said: “Given the severity of the situation we face, it is of paramount importance that anyone with COVID symptoms does not delay getting a test.

“Testing is carrying on as normal at weekends and on public holidays and it’s that testing that protects others, by enabling contact tracing to take place and ensuring people know they should isolate to avoid spreading the virus.

“Getting tested also helps to give us the up-to-date data on how COVID-19 is spreading, which we need to tackle the virus.

“If people delay that testing then they are potentially putting other people at risk.

“So if you have a high temperature or fever, new continuous cough or a change in sense of smell or taste, you should self-isolate and please book a test immediately.”

To book a test go online to the NHS Inform website, or call 0800 028 2816 if you cannot book online. For further information visit Coronavirus (COVID-19) self-help guide | NHS inform

Coronavirus (COVID-19) self-help guide | NHS inform

Additional £48 million for level 4 changes

Action to ensure businesses across Scotland impacted by level 4 restrictions get additional and faster access to financial support have been announced by the Finance Secretary Kate Forbes.

This is in addition to the £570 million package of support, including the Strategic Framework Business Fund which has been open since November.

Businesses that are required to close or modify their operations by law can apply for a Temporary Closure Grant or a Business Restrictions Grant through their local authority website. Grants of up to £3,000 are available for every four weeks of restrictions, payable in arrears while restrictions last.

An additional £41 million will top up support for non-essential retail and gyms, which are required to close in level 4. This is in addition to top up grants for hospitality that were announced earlier this month.

Non-essential retail and gyms will be given up to an additional £3,000 and can claim this funding through their local authority website if they have not already submitted an application.

The cap on the maximum support available through the Strategic Framework Business Fund will also be lifted from 1 January for businesses that operate from multiple premises.

To accelerate the distribution of financial support, a further £7 million will help all local authorities recruit additional staff or backfill positions to meet increased demand for coronavirus (COVID-19) grants and speed up the payment process.

Ms Forbes said: “With mainland Scotland now entering level 4, the Strategic Framework Business Fund is already open to businesses required to close or modify their operations by law.

“In recognition of the substantial increase in the number of businesses eligible for support, I have provided additional financial resources of £7 million to local authorities to upscale operations and streamline grants. Work is already underway to ensure businesses get support as quickly as possible.

“I recently announced a top up grant to hospitality businesses, and today I can confirm that a further top up grant will be provided to non-essential retail businesses and gyms.

“Since March the Scottish Government has allocated more than £2.3 billion to business support and more than £1.2 billion to economic recovery.

“On top of the additional £570 million package of support announced at the start of this month, these changes will manage that increased demand, accelerating the grant application process and in turn getting these essential payments to businesses as quickly as possible.

“We welcome the news of further consequentials and will set out shortly how these will be utilised to meet the needs of business. It is likely that a significant amount will be used to meet the substantial increase in businesses applying to the Strategic Framework Business Fund at Level 4.”

Fire Service warns of home fireworks COVID danger

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is warning of the dangers of using fireworks in private events over the festive period.

With many public events cancelled due to COVID-19, families and communities are being reminded that using fireworks in gardens and common areas can have devastating consequences.

Improper use of fireworks can cause serious injuries, distress pets and neighbors and impact on the work of Scotland’s emergency services.

Deputy Assistant Chief Officer (DACO) Alasdair Perry, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s Head of Prevention and Protection, said: “With public events unable to go ahead, we may see people hosting private events in their gardens to mark the festive season and perhaps New Year’s Eve.

“However, we must warn communities that fireworks are explosives at the end of the day, and if not used properly their use can cause life-changing injuries.

“I would urge anyone considering purchasing fireworks to be well aware of both the dangers and the essential safety guidance.”

The SFRS has created a Fireworks Code to help keep communities safe.

DACO Perry added: “If you are going to buy fireworks, then make sure it is from a reputable seller.

“Always follow the instructions carefully and follow our firework code. We want everyone to bring in the new year safely, so please do not take any risks as we say goodbye to a difficult year for all of us.”



The call has also been backed by the Scottish Government. Community Safety Minister Ash Denham said: “This Festive season is going to feel very different and at this usual time for celebration I urge everyone to follow the rules on meeting up with other households to help stop the spread of the virus. 

“It is vital that on Hogmanay the public adhere to the rules restricting travel between different local authority areas and meeting up with other households. Under both level 4 and level 3 restrictions it is not possible to meet up indoors or in large groups outdoors on Hogmanay.

“With large, organised Hogmanay firework displays cancelled this year – we know that some people may consider using fireworks in their back gardens. If you do plan on using fireworks please do so responsibly and safely. If we all play our part we can ensure that Hogmanay this year is safe and enjoyable for everyone.”

To view the fireworks code and find more information on how to stay safe around fireworks, visit: 

https://www.firescotland.gov.uk/your-safety/fireworks-safety.aspx

Council outlines level four service plans

The Council has outlined its revised service arrangements ahead of the city entering level four of the Scottish Government’s COVID restrictions framework.

Short-term plans have been drawn up in light of new rules, which come into effect at 00.01 on 26 December, and these will be reviewed in the New Year and in line with any future revisions by the Scottish Government.

Many Council services will continue as normal – waste services will be delivered in line with Christmas arrangements and household waste and recycling centres will remain open, as will parks.

Changes will include the suspension of library services and the reduction of Council house repairs and shared repairs surveys to essential work only. The City Art Centre will close and community centres will be limited to essential services, such as emergency shelter and providing meals for the homeless.

Schools will remain closed until 18 January, in line with Scottish Government guidance, with remote learning to start on 11 January. 

Full details of all service changes are available on the Council website and further information on level four restrictions can be found on the Scottish Government’s website.

Council Leader Adam McVey said: “We know how difficult the tightening of restrictions over Christmas will be for people. This has been an extremely challenging year for everyone – individuals, families, communities and businesses – and the prospect of not being able to see family or loved ones as much as expected, or to reopen businesses after Christmas Day, will be another huge challenge for us to get through.

“The stricter guidance shows how dangerous the situation still is and this Christmas we can’t afford to let our guard down. It’s essential that we listen to the advice of public health experts if we are to minimise the impact of COVID, and that means sticking to the guidance. This will be a festive period like no other, but there is light at the end of the tunnel, and together we can look forward to a brighter 2021.

“I’d like to wish people a very Merry Christmas, and to thank you for your sacrifices and working so hard to adhere to restrictions throughout 2020.”

Depute Leader Cammy Day said: “Christmas can be hard for many people at the best of times, so this year will be particularly tough as we face the threat of COVID and increased restrictions into the start of January at least.

“I want to reassure the public that we’re doing everything we can to make this period as easy as possible and will be working hard to support those in need while keeping Council services running smoothly. I would encourage people to check the Coronavirus pages on our website for any changes or updates.

“If we work together to follow guidance, staying within our local authority area, reducing contact with others and observing physical distancing and hygiene advice if we do form a bubble, I know we can enjoy a safe, peaceful Christmas Day, with minimum impact on the health of our city.”

On 19 December, the First Minister announced that protections against COVID would be significantly strengthened from Boxing Day to prevent the spread of a new, highly contagious strain of the virus.

Level four restrictions include the closure of non-essential retail and hospitality and a ban on travel out of the area, unless it is for essential reasons.

The planned easing of restrictions around Christmas has also been limited to Christmas Day with a maximum of eight people from three households allowed to meet. However, people are encouraged to celebrate the festive period at home in their own household and meet with others outdoors.

Christmas in the new normal

Five ways to celebrate remotely with loved ones this year

  • Amid the current health crisis, Furniture And Choice shares five tips to keep up with your Christmas traditions remotely 
  • Cooking together, craft competitions and online games among the best ways to stay connected to loved ones 

    While Christmas rules may allow some family members to get together, this won’t be the case for everyone and certainly not for those with large families or friendship groups.  

    However, there are many ways to have an amazing Christmas with friends and family even while social distancing or living on Zoom, without letting those all-important traditions fall by the wayside. Interior Style Advisor at Furniture And Choice, Rebecca Snowden, offers her top tips on how to celebrate the festive season with loved ones even if you can’t be physically together:  
  1. Take time to cook (and eat) together 

The highlight of many people’s Christmas is the big festive lunch and you don’t have to miss out just because you can’t leave your home. Share recipes for what you’re planning to cook with your friends and family beforehand, to make sure you all have the same ingredients on the day. You could even assign courses to different family members if you wanted to – although you won’t be able to eat everyone’s offering! 

On the day, arrange a time to video call so you can virtually make the dishes together. This is a great way to chat and feel connected to loved ones as if you’re all cooking and making something special together. There are many apps you can use to do this, including Zoom, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger and FaceTime (if you all have Apple devices).  

Don’t forget to arrange a time for a video call at the dinner table too, so you can sit down, have a chat and eat your meal together as a family.  

  1. Take part in a Christmas craft competition 

To really get into the festivities, you could arrange a table centrepiece competition with your friends and family. There are plenty of tutorials for centrepieces online that use things you’ll have lying around the house, and it’s a welcome bit of fun for everyone to enjoy.  

One person should act as the judge and taskmaster, sharing the table centrepiece tutorial beforehand and judging everybody’s attempts via a video call or picture submissions to determine who is the most successful. You could even present the winner with a virtual prize, such as a gift card.  

This is a great way to have some fun with your loved ones and make something perfect for your Christmas dining table.  

  1. Create a playlist to listen to music together 

To really feel like you’re sitting down to have lunch with your loved ones, why not create a playlist for everyone to listen to at the same time? You can easily create a playlist on Spotify or Apple Music, and then share this with your family and friends so you can all listen together while you’re cooking or having lunch.  

To make things a little more interesting, you could create a public playlist and assign each person certain letters of the alphabet to add artists beginning with that letter. Alternatively, create a playlist theme, such as Christmas number ones, and see who can add the most songs to the playlist that fit the theme you chose.  

  1. Play online games 

After you’ve eaten your lunch, what could be better than playing a game? Although you won’t be able to sit down and play a board game together as you would usually, there are lots of virtual game apps that allow you to still enjoy fun and games with your loved ones. 

Try Kahoot! for a virtual quiz suitable for all the family. Each person can select a quiz category that they want everyone to play, or you can make it extra personal by creating a round specifically about your friends and family.  

For something with more of a competitive edge, download Mario Kart Tour on iOs or Android to race as your favourite Mario characters with your friends and family. Fancy something more grown-up? The online version of Cards against Humanity is now available to download – just make sure there are no children present!  

  1. Watch a movie together 

If you fancy something more chilled during your Christmas break, why not cosy up and watch a festive favourite with your loved ones? Thanks to apps such as Netflix Party, you can now sit and watch Netflix films together virtually – just download the extension on Google Chrome, invite your loved ones to watch a film and you’re good to go.

You can even talk via a chat box while watching the film so you can discuss and share your thoughts as you watch, so it’s a great way to stay connected to your friends and family. 

Rebecca continues: “Christmas may be a huge struggle for some this year, as for many it’s a time to be around loved ones to eat, drink and be merry. While rules are allowing some people to get together, there will be many who won’t be able to see everyone they usually would, like extended family or groups of friends.

“But we shouldn’t let this spoil the Christmas spirit, we should try to adapt our plans to make sure we still feel connected with our loved ones.  

“Setting up collaborative challenges, sharing recipes and engaging in a family quiz are great ways to keep spirits high and create memories you won’t forget. Why not use this time to start new traditions from the comfort of your own homes and celebrate the Christmas season in style?”  

For more ideas and inspiration, including Christmas crafts to try, visit Furniture And Choice’s inspiration page here: https://www.furniturechoice.co.uk/inspiration/ 

£400 million of new funding to support Scotland through Covid-19

New funding of £800 million is being guaranteed for the devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to support people, businesses and public services with the ongoing impact of Covid-19.

Yesterday’s announcement increases the UK Government’s unprecedented upfront guarantee this year to at least £16.8 billion on top of funding outlined in Spring Budget 2020.

This funding can be spent on priorities such as the NHS and business support.

This means a further £400 million for the Scottish Government, £200 million for the Welsh Government and £200 million for the Northern Ireland Executive.

Any changes to devolved funding are normally confirmed towards the end of the financial year – but in July the UK Government introduced an unprecedented guarantee to provide them with funding certainty to respond to Covid-19.

Wednesday’s announcement ensures that all parts of the UK can continue their response to Covid-19 through the winter months.

The Chief Secretary to the Treasury Steve Barclay MP said: “We’ve already committed unprecedented levels of support to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

“This extra funding will provide the nations with the certainty they need to plan through these difficult months.

“We remain committed to an economic recovery for the whole of the United Kingdom and will continue to work closely with the devolved administrations to support people and businesses.”

Scottish Secretary, Alister Jack said: The UK Government is committed to supporting people in all parts of the UK during this difficult time which is why today we have given £400 million extra to the Scottish Government for their Covid-19 response. This brings our total additional Covid-19 support to Scotland to £8.6 billion since Spring Budget 2020.

“This is on top of direct UK Government Covid-19 support to people and businesses in Scotland, including the furlough and self-employment schemes, business loans, VAT cuts for the hardest hit sectors and investing billions in our Plan for Jobs and our welfare safety net.

“The UK Government is also providing the bulk of Covid-19 testing in Scotland and we invested £6 billion to ensure we were the first country in the world to roll out the first vaccine.

“The strength of the Union and support offered by the UK Treasury has never been more important. Together, we will continue to get through these challenging times.”

People and businesses in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will also continue to benefit from the UK Government’s unprecedented £280 billion UK-wide economic response package.

This includes schemes such as the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme and the Bounce Back Loan Scheme providing billions in support to businesses across the three regions.

Alongside this, millions of jobs in the three regions continue to be supported through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme.

UK hit with South African variant of coronavirus

UK Health Minister Matt Hancock has released details of another mutation of the coronavirus. Two cases of the variant, which is linked to South Africa, have now been reported in the UK.

Scotland has introduced further controls on travellers to and from South Africa with immediate effect.

Mr Hancock told yesterday’s Downing Street press conference: “I want to tell you about developments on another new strain of this virus.

“Of course, the fight against this virus is a global effort. And we are constantly vigilant and looking around the world.

As part of our surveillance, and thanks to the impressive genomic capability of the South Africans, we have detected 2 cases of another new variant of coronavirus here in the UK.

“Both are contacts of cases who have travelled from South Africa over the past few weeks.

“The Chief Scientific Advisor and Chief Medical Officer and others met their South African counterparts over the last day.

“We are incredibly grateful to the South African Government for the rigour of their science, and the openness and the transparency with which they have rightly acted, as we did when we discovered the new variant here.

“This new variant is highly concerning, because it is yet more transmissible and it appeared to have mutated further than the new variant that has been discovered here.

“We have taken the following action.

“First, we are quarantining cases, and close contacts of cases, found here in the UK.

“Second, we are placing immediate restrictions on travel from South Africa.

“Finally, and most importantly, anyone in the UK who has been in South Africa in the past fortnight, and anyone who has been in close contact with anyone who has been in South Africa in the last fortnight, must quarantine immediately.

“By quarantine, I mean they must restrict all contact with any other person whatsoever.

“We will be changing the law to give this legal effect imminently.

“These measures are temporary, while we investigate this further new strain, which is currently being analysed at Porton Down.

“And I want to thank everyone involved for the seriousness with which I know they will take these instructions.”

Scottish Ministers have agreed on the basis of advice from senior clinical advisers to introduce further controls on travellers who have been in South Africa in the previous 10 days.

Regulations will require all UK nationals or residents returning to Scotland from South Africa to isolate for 10 days. This will apply to both the individual traveller and their household. Unlike travel into Scotland from other countries, there will be no exemptions to this quarantine policy.

All measures relating to South Africa will be reviewed in light of emerging evidence on the public health risks.

Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity Michael Matheson said: “These steps are a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of a variant strain of coronavirus which has been detected in South Africa, which we are still in the early stages of learning about, to Scotland.

“This decision has been taken on clinical advice to help further safeguard public health and keep communities safe.”

Scotland’s Chief Medical Officer Dr Gregor Smith said: “A mutated strain of the virus has been detected in South Africa with greater transmissibility between humans and it is appropriate that we err on the side of caution.

“We do not want to see transmission of this strain in this country and it is imperative that anybody who has recently travelled from South Africa, and their household, should self-isolate for 10 days and follow the guidance laid out by the Scottish Government. If needed, they should contact NHS 24.”

Work will also be undertaken to contact individuals who have recently arrived in the country from South Africa in the last 10 days who may have had a sectoral exemption to encourage them and their households of the need to isolate.

COVID: Community testing to be introduced next month

Targeted approach planned for high prevalence areas

Community testing in areas with high coronavirus (COVID-19) prevalence will begin in January, Health Secretary Jeane Freeman has announced.

In a statement to Parliament on Scotland’s testing and vaccination programmes, Ms Freeman confirmed that community testing resources will be targeted at communities with high transmission rates, following successful trials in early December.

Local authorities will be asked to submit proposals for the programme in early January, which will be delivered in partnership with NHS Boards and supported with additional funding and resources, including mobile testing units and asymptomatic test sites, to provide PCR and lateral flow testing respectively.

In order to better target community testing, waste water sampling undertaken by SEPA and Scottish Water to track COVID prevalence will be expanded from 60 to around 200 tests per week throughout Scotland by the end of January, supported by £1.1 million in additional funding.

Discussions with local authorities are also underway regarding two models of school testing to be trialled in January. The first model will involve in-school testing using lateral flow devices, while the second will involve at-home sampling for PCR testing.

Ms Freeman also confirmed that a total of 56,676 people have received their first dose in the first two weeks of the COVID-19 vaccination programme, which aims to vaccinate all those on the JCVI prioritisation list by the end of Spring 2021. Once this group is complete, vaccination will start for the wider population, subject to available supplies.

The use of larger centres in heavily populated areas such as Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee, Aberdeen, and Lanarkshire is being investigated to supplement local and mobile solutions for those in remote and rural areas.

NHS Boards have also been asked to continue recruitment and redeployment, with the aim of securing around 1400 vaccinators and 800 support staff by the end of January.

Ms Freeman said: “I want to acknowledge the sheer effort that has been put in to enable what has been delivered already through our testing and vaccination programmes, and what we will deliver, as I have set out in Parliament today.

“Each of these programmes presents a major logistical challenges in and of themselves. Many people from different organisations and communities have come together to make them possible and I want to put on record my sincere thanks to everyone involved.

“These are incredibly tough times for everyone, at the end of what has already been an incredibly tough year, but this continued expansion of our testing and vaccination programmes will help us meet the challenge we face to drive down COVID rates in Scotland to the lowest possible level.

“Both are vital tools in our work to suppress the virus to the lowest possible level in Scotland, but they are only as important as the other measures we have including the Levels approach, enhanced support for our NHS and care sectors and critically, individuals doing the right thing by following FACTS – all of which are crucial to prevent the spread of this harmful virus through our communities.” 

COVID Vaccines and Testing Programmes: Health Secretary’s statement Wednesday 23 December – gov.scot 

Remember FACTS for a safer Scotland:

F – Face coverings
A – Avoid crowded places
C – Clean your hands regularly
T – Two metres distance
S – Self isolate and book a test if you have symptoms

How coronavirus has changed day-to-day living in UK cities

DIY, baking and watching TV grow in popularity

People in cities across the UK are finding different ways to spend their time during the pandemic, according to analysis of data by Leeds Building Society.

Over 2,500 people in different UK cities were asked how their lives had changed as they adapted to spending more time in their homes during the pandemic. The data was part of a national survey by TLF Research*.

Growing vegetables is taking up more time for people living in Edinburgh (20%), Glasgow (18%) and Belfast (18%). Baking and home cooking has also risen in popularity in Belfast (44%), Leeds (43%), Southampton, Bristol and Cardiff (all 39%), Edinburgh (38%), Norwich (34%) and Glasgow (32%).

Notably, young people are spending more time in the kitchen, with 43% of 18 to 24-year-olds doing more cooking and baking – higher than any other age group, according to the findings.

The pandemic has made us all think about how we can improve our homes. DIY and painting and decorating proved popular in Liverpool (62%), Belfast and Sheffield (both 56%), Leeds (54%) and London (53%).

Other key findings from the survey:

People in Cardiff (46%), Leeds (45%), Sheffield (43%), Norwich, Glasgow, Nottingham (all 42%) said they are shopping online more. The biggest increase was among 18 to 24-year-olds (47%) and over 65-year-olds (47%).

In Manchester (72%), Leeds (67%), Liverpool (65%), Bristol (62%), Cardiff (61%) and Belfast (60%) respondents said they were watching more TV and films. Those aged 18-24 (75%) reported the highest rise; meanwhile the lowest was in the over-65s (52%).

People in London and Bristol (both 31%) and Southampton (27%) have all devoted more time to keeping fit.

In Leeds (24%), Glasgow (19%) and Belfast (18%), people said they were indulging in more home comforts like nice meals and buying more loungewear.

“It’s interesting to see how improvements around the house have become a priority for so many people across the country and how we are all adapting,” says Jaedon Green, Chief Customer Officer at Leeds Building Society.

“Lockdown gave us a chance to pause and think about our immediate and long-term goals, and for many of us this included making our home more comfortable and relaxing as we adapted to new ways of living.

“As people’s priorities shift it looks like more of us will be making changes to ensure we have the homes and lifestyles we want,” he adds.