A proposal to reopen public toilets in ‘hot spot’ areas near busy parks and beaches has been published by the city council following a city-wide review.
Councillors on the Policy and Sustainability Committee will consider a report on Thursday ( 9 July) which outlines how some public toilets could be reopened safely following government guidance, having been closed in March due to the coronavirus pandemic.
With lockdown restrictions being gradually relaxed in recent weeks and the weather improving, areas such as the Meadows and Portobello Beach have become increasingly popular. Unfortunately, this has also led to people relieving themselves outdoors and in the vicinity of people’s homes causing a significant health hazard.
Adam McVey, Council Leader, said: “The city is slowly starting to return to a ‘new normal’ and as more restrictions are gradually eased we know a lot of people are out enjoying our beautiful parks and beaches, and more recently returning to visit the many and varied quality shops and other businesses Edinburgh has to offer.
“We are reopening some toilets to ease the situation but I would ask that everyone is respectful they’re when out and about. Plan ahead and if you’re caught short, get home to use your own facilities if there are none open nearby.
“It’s only possible to reopen some public toilets in busy areas as we must make sure we’re following government guidance and putting in all of the necessary measures required such as additional deep cleaning and physical distancing to keep everyone safe. The cost of reopening can’t be underestimated but it’s important that we do all we can to support our communities and combat the negative anti-social behaviour some of our residents have experienced.”
Depute Leader, Cammy Day, said: “We know the situation is far from ideal, but we have limited resources and the priority here must be protecting public health.
“We’ll keep everyone updated as soon as it is possible to reopen all of our toilets safely. Until then we’ll be using signage, our website and social media to keep everyone up to date with health and safety measures we’re putting in place and which toilets are open when.”
Assuming the report is approved, and all health and safety measures are put in place, selected public toilets would reopen on Monday, 13 July.
This would be on a temporary basis until 30 October from 11am to 6pm, seven days a week. A further review will be carried out in September and an update report will be considered by councillors in October. This report will outline details of customer numbers, costs incurred, and any updates on public health advice.
Public toilets to reopen 13 July – 30 October:
On the eve of ‘Super Saturday’ Prime Minister Boris Johnson made a public appeal to the people of England to act responsibily:
Good evening,
Since I last spoke to you from this podium, we have continued to make progress nationally against the virus.
We are now reporting regularly fewer than 1,000 new cases each day.
The Office for National Statistics estimates that between 14 June and 27 June, the most recent period they have analysed, 25,000 people in the community in England had the virus – 1 person in every 2,200.
SAGE assess that the R rate – the average number of people each infected person passes the virus onto – remains between 0.7 and 0.9 across the UK.
SAGE also assess that, in England, the number of new infections is shrinking by between 2 and 5% every day.
And while the number of people dying with coronavirus remains too high, the numbers do continue to fall.
Now of course this picture is not universal. There are areas – such as Leicester – where the virus is still more prevalent than we would like.
We always said there would be local outbreaks requiring local action. This is to be expected and will, I’m afraid, be a feature of our lives for some time to come.
But that should not take away from the great progress we have made, together, as a country against this vicious disease.
This progress is the reason why we have been able – slowly, carefully, cautiously – to ease the national lockdown.
Without doubt, lockdown has saved many hundreds of thousands of lives – but it has also had a devastating impact on our way of life and our economy.
And of course, lockdown has not yet been lifted entirely.
Indoor gyms, nail bars and swimming pools are still closed, mass gatherings are still prohibited, social distancing is still essential.
I want these restrictions to be lifted as soon as possible – of course I do.
We have established taskforces to work rapidly and closely with the sectors that remain closed to explore how they can be Covid Secure. I am pleased to report good progress is being made.
Next week we will set out a timetable for their re-opening – though of course I can only lift those remaining, national restrictions as and when it is safe to do so.
Our goal remains to enable as many people as possible to live their lives as close to normally as possible – in a way which is as fair and as safe as possible.
To achieve this we need to move away from blanket, national measures, to targeted, local measures.
So instead of locking down the whole country, we will lock down specific premises or local areas where the virus is spreading.
Instead of closing down non-essential retail and hospitality nationwide, we will only shut establishments locally as required.
Instead of shutting all schools for most pupils, from September we will only shut those schools where it is absolutely necessary to control an outbreak.
And instead of quarantining arrivals from the whole world, we will only quarantine arrivals from those countries where the virus is, sadly, not yet under control.
We are already implementing this targeted approach in England.
In Weston-Super-Mare, we identified an outbreak in a hospital, closed it to visitors and new admissions, tested all staff and patients and gave the hospital a deep clean. The outbreak was contained and the hospital is open again.
In Kirklees, we identified an outbreak at a meat packing plant, shut down the plant, moved in a mobile testing unit, tested all employees and traced the contacts of those who were positive. The outbreak was contained and the plant has reopened with additional safety measures in place.
And of course more recently in Leicester, we identified a community-wide outbreak which was not restricted to a single location, unlike Weston-Super-Mare and Kirklees. Public Health England engaged with the local authority, mobile testing units were deployed, full data was shared – council-wide data was shared on 11 June, and postcode-level data was shared last week.
This enhanced monitoring through additional testing showed that the infection rate in Leicester was three times the next highest infection rate in any other city in the country. So on Monday, the Health Secretary announced local lockdown measures in Leicester for an initial period of 2 weeks.
In each of these cases, the problems identified were specific to Weston-Super-Mare, Kirklees and Leicester. So of course it made sense to take action locally, rather than re-impose restrictions on the whole country.
And we are learning the whole time. With each local outbreak, we see what works well and what not so well, so that we do better next time.
Informed by our experience of these cases, we have developed an approach for controlling future local outbreaks which has five principle components: monitoring, engagement, testing, targeted restrictions and finally, as a last resort, lockdown.
First, monitoring. Public Health England, working with the Joint Biosecurity Centre, will examine carefully data on the spread of the disease and people’s behaviour across the country. They will look out for emerging trends, rising case numbers and other indicators, while taking into account local factors.
Critically, we have made local data available to all Directors of Public Health in local authorities, so they too can monitor what is happening in their area. And local data will also be available to the public on the gov.uk dashboard.
Second, engagement. If monitoring identifies local problems, NHS Test and Trace and PHE will work with the relevant local authority to develop a deeper understanding of the problem and identify solutions. Working with local agencies, we will seek to keep the local community informed at every stage, so they know what is happening and what actions, if any, they need to take.
Third, testing. We now have substantial testing capacity nationwide and we have the ability to target that capacity at local areas in order to get a grip on emerging outbreaks. Scaled-up testing at a local level, combined with contract tracing through NHS Test and Trace, can control the virus and thus avoid more stringent measures.
Fourth, targeted restrictions. If the virus continues to spread, we will restrict activities at particular locations and close individual premises. As in Weston-Super-Mare and Kirklees, we will restrict access to places which become hotspots for the virus, while testing people who have spent time in those places, and tracing the contacts of anyone who tests positive.
Fifth, local lockdown. If the previous measures have not proven to be enough, we will introduce local lockdowns extending across whole communities. As in Leicester, that could mean shutting businesses venues that would otherwise be open, closing schools or urging people once more to stay at home.
Local lockdowns will be carefully calibrated depending on the scientific and specific circumstances of each outbreak and we are continually exploring smarter means of containing the virus.
So that is the approach we will take as local outbreaks occur and we will set out more detail soon.
Let me end by looking forward to this weekend.
Tomorrow (Saturday), there will be a moment of remembrance for those whose lives have tragically been lost before their time.
And at 5pm on Sunday, the NHS’s 72nd birthday, we can all come together to clap those who have worked tirelessly and selflessly to help the nation get through this pandemic.
I know everyone will be looking forward to the relaxation of national restrictions. As lockdown eases, we should focus on supporting the livelihoods of business owners and their employees up and down the country – all of whom are opening their doors for the first time in more than three months.
They are our local restaurants, hairdressers, libraries, museums, cinemas, and yes, pubs. They are also hotels, B&Bs, indeed much of our tourism industry.
All these businesses and their workers have put in a heroic effort to prepare their venues for this reopening, to work out a way to trade in a way that keeps their customers safe.
But the success of these businesses, the livelihoods of those who rely on them, and ultimately the economic health of the whole country is dependent on every single one of us acting responsibly. We must not let them down.
Lockdown only succeeded in controlling the virus because everyone worked together, and we will only succeed in reopening if everyone works together again. Because we are not out of the woods yet.
The virus is still with us and the spike in Leicester has shown that. If it starts running out of control again this Government will not hesitate in putting on the brakes and re-imposing restrictions.
Anyone who flouts social distancing and COVID-Secure rules is not only putting us all at risk but letting down those businesses and workers who have done so much to prepare for this new normal.
So as we take this next step, our biggest step yet, on the road to recovery, I urge the British people to do so safely.
Remember – don’t gather in groups of more than 6 outside or 2 households in any setting.
Keep your distance from those outside your household – 2 metres if you can, 1 metre with precautions if you can’t.
Wash your hands.
Let’s all stay alert, control the virus, save lives – and enjoy summer safely.
Almost half of UK office workers feel unsupported by their employers during the pandemic lock down period, a new survey has revealed.
The poll by Utility Bidder also discovered that more than half of workers now feared for their job security as the pandemic continues.
Researchers spoke to 1000 office workers who were continuing their roles while working from home. Respondents were aged 18-54 and featured all levels of office staff from graduate trainees to managing directors.
The study found that 45% of office workers said they had either none or not enough support from their bosses while working from home.
More than half of those surveyed (57%) said they now feared for the future of their job and were anxious about employment security.
Almost one fifth of those surveyed (18%) said they had little or no communication from their employers about the impact of the pandemic on the company’s business and so were concerned about their jobs.
Just over one in ten (12%) of the 1,000 people surveyed by Utility Bidder said they do not have, cannot get or do not plan to have access to all the relevant technological equipment they need to work remotely.
One respondent to Utility Bidder’s survey said they are working from home “without even having half the equipment needed” whilst another wrote that their company “provided laptops but they’re not able to cope with the number of people using systems”.
Of the 45% who said they do not feel supported by their employer 32% said that a very small amount of support was provided, whilst 13% responded that they had received no support whatsoever.
James Longley, managing director at Utility Bidder, said the lockdown period had created anxiety and uncertainty for many workers, particularly those feeling unsupported by bosses.
He said: “Our mission is to support businesses and help them save money. One of the most important ways in which businesses can currently do this is by helping their staff remain productive so they can continue servicing their customers and clients.
“Thousands of working hours could be lost without the proper technology and equipment, so it’s essential that businesses are supplying this where possible.”
Mr. Longley also explained how employees could claim back money on certain essential equipment they might need to work from home.
“Employees required to continue working from home can claim for tax relief on any necessary purchases if they are not already being provided by their employer. This includes technology, printer ink, even desks and office chairs for your home-working space.”
Final Phase 2 measures confirmed
Provisions to allow children to play outdoors with friends, the introduction of exemptions to the 2 metre physical distancing rule and mandatory use of face coverings in retail settings from Phase 3 are among measures announced by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon yesterday.
From today, children aged 11 and under will be able to play outdoors, without physical distancing, in groups of up to eight and of no more than two other households.
Children aged 12 to 17 are asked to continue to physically distance but can meet in groups of up to eight outdoors and no more than two other households at a time.
There will be no limit placed on the total number of households children can meet in one day, enabling siblings to meet separate groups or friends, or to meet groups in addition to those their parents or carers may take part in.
The five mile limit for leisure travel will be lifted for the majority of the country from today (Friday, 3 July) as will restrictions on self-catering, self-contained accommodation.
The First Minister also confirmed that outdoor hospitality will be able to start trading from Monday 6 July, in line with indicative dates previously set out.
Following the successful introduction of mandatory face coverings on public transport, the measure will be extended to include retail settings from Friday, 10 July, in line with expected changes to other lockdown measures on that date.
The First Minister also announced the outcome of a review of the evidence on the 2 metre social distancing rule. Advice from the COVID-19 Advisory Group makes clear that the fundamental science around distance and transmission remains unchanged and that risk increases with proximity to an infected individual.
As such, the Scottish Government will retain 2 metres as the default physical distancing requirement for Phase 3 but introduce exceptions to this requirement if practicable mitigating measures can be implemented.
Settings and sectors considered appropriate for exceptions, pending agreed mitigations, are: public transport; outdoor hospitality; indoor hospitality; and retail. There will be no exemptions prior to the move to Phase 3.
Announcing the changes, the First Minister said: “As we move further out of lockdown, some rules will become more targeted and, as such, a bit more complicated.
“However, the basic foundation principles and hygiene measures remain as important as ever – each and every one of us must strike the right balance in order to keep the momentum of lifting lockdown going while protecting the progress made. What we are witnessing across the country is a sharp reminder just how highly infectious COVID-19 is, and how vital it is that we proceed with care and caution.
“That said, please take advantage of the fact that some rules are changing. Get out and about a bit more if you can and are able. Support your local businesses where possible – shops, outdoor hospitality and self-catering accommodation are beginning to reopen, travel distance restrictions are being lifted, and we are actively exploring further measures we can introduce – such as face coverings and 2 metre rule exemptions – that can get our economy safely back up and running even quicker.
“If you are ever in doubt, please remember our key guidance – the FACTS: face coverings should be worn in enclosed spaces; avoid crowded areas; clean your hands and hard surfaces regularly and thoroughly; 2 metre distancing remains in place; self-isolate, and book a test immediately, if you have symptoms of COVID-19.”
ScotRail reports that since the wearing of face coverings was made mandatory on Monday 22, June, around 90 per cent of customers have followed the guidance to keep themselves and others safe.
Route Map physical distancing approach
The First Minister’s statement
England lifts self–isolation for lower risk countries in time for the holidays
Passengers returning or visiting from certain destinations which pose a reduced risk to the public health of UK citizens, including Spain and Italy, will no longer need to self-isolate when arriving in England, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps will set out today (Friday 3 July).
The Scottish Government is yet to make a decision on whether to relax travel restrictions.
The new measures will come into force from 10 July, meaning that people arriving from selected destinations will be able to enter England without needing to self-isolate, unless they have been in or transited through non-exempt countries in the preceding 14 days.
A risk assessment has been conducted by the Joint Biosecurity Centre, in close consultation with Public Health England and the Chief Medical Officer. The assessment draws on a range of factors including the prevalence of coronavirus, the numbers of new cases and potential trajectory of the disease in that destination.
The list of countries will be published later today. A number of countries will be exempted from the requirement for passengers arriving into England to self-isolate for 14 days. All passengers, except those on a small list of exemptions, will still be required to provide contact information on arrival in the UK.
The Government’s expectation is that a number of the exempted countries will also not require arrivals from the UK to self-isolate. This will mean that holidaymakers travelling to and from certain destinations will not need to self-isolate on either leg of their journey.
The exempted countries and territories will be kept under constant review, so that if the health risks increase self-isolation measures can be re-introduced to help stop the spread of the disease into England.
The Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) has also updated its global advisory against ‘all but essential’ international travel to exempt certain destinations that no longer pose an unacceptably high risk of COVID-19.
When planning holidays or overseas travel, people should therefore check the latest FCO travel advice on gov.uk, including whether there are any self-isolation measures in place for their outbound or return journey.
If the country or territory they are visiting is exempt, they will not have to self-isolate on their return to England. Passengers should also stay alert to any changes to local public health measures while they are travelling, including by subscribing to FCO Travel Advice updates.
The Government continues to work closely with international partners around the world to discuss arrangements for travellers arriving from the UK and will continue this engagement ahead of the changes coming into force.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “Today marks the next step in carefully reopening our great nation. Whether you are a holidaymaker ready to travel abroad or a business eager to open your doors again, this is good news for British people and great news for British businesses.
“The entire nation has worked tirelessly to get to this stage, therefore safety must remain our watch word and we will not hesitate to move quickly to protect ourselves if infection rates rise in countries we are reconnecting with.”
The FCO’s Travel Advice is based on an assessment of a range of factors that could present risks to British nationals when abroad, using different criteria to the list of countries exempted from self-isolation measures.
It is based on a range of factors including epidemiological risks, capacity of local healthcare systems, transport options and law and order. These Travel Advice exemptions will come into effect on 4 July and will be kept under review.
All passengers, except those on a small list of exemptions, will still be required to provide contact information on arrival in the UK, including details of countries or territories they have been in or through during the previous 14 days. Existing public health advice on hand hygiene, face coverings, and social distancing must also be followed.
The exemptions from self-isolation apply to all modes of international transport, including sea and international rail routes as well as flights.
The Devolved Administrations will set out their own approach to exemptions, and so passengers returning to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland should ensure they follow the laws and guidance which applies there.
