Tag: Safety

COVID Christmas: Governments sing from the same hymn sheet

Clear messaging on celebrating safely?

A joint statement on staying safe at Christmas from the UK Government, Scottish Government, and Welsh Government:

As we approach the festive period, the UK Government, Scottish Government, and Welsh Government are seeking to balance pragmatism with the overriding priority of protecting public health.

To do this, we have joined together to issue clear guidance and recommendations, as follows:

A smaller Christmas is a safer Christmas, and a shorter Christmas is a safer Christmas. The safest way to spend this Christmas is with your own household or your existing support bubble in your own home – and we strongly recommend that this is what you do if at all possible.

We know the extraordinary lengths that people have gone to this year to protect their loved ones and the NHS. We know that people want to see life return to normal. And with vaccines now being deployed, next year we are confident it will do. But to get there safely, this cannot be a normal Christmas. We must continue to work together to prevent the spread of the virus, and to protect our friends, our families and our front-line workers.

In some areas, the number of people with COVID-19 is rising rapidly, as it is in much of Europe. It is vital that we all act responsibly over Christmas to limit the risk of further transmission and keep each other as safe as possible. One in three people who have COVID-19 don’t show symptoms but can still pass on the virus.

To protect you and your loved ones, we recommend that you think very carefully about the risks of forming a bubble. Discuss alternatives to meeting up in person, or ways of meeting up outdoors instead. Only form a bubble if you feel you absolutely need to.

If you do decide you need to form a Christmas bubble, take precautions to minimise risk by stopping unnecessary social contact outside your immediate household as soon as possible, and for at least five days before you meet other households in your bubble, and by working from home if you can. On no account should you visit another household if you, or anyone in your household, is feeling unwell or is self-isolating.

Scientific advice is clear: the longer you meet others for, the higher the risk of you catching and spreading the virus. If you do intend to form a bubble, you should keep the bubble small and your visits short.

The five day period is a window of opportunity and should be seen as a legal maximum, not a target. If you do form a bubble, we recommend that you meet with it for the shortest possible time. You should not stay overnight unless absolutely unavoidable.

It is particularly important to think about the greater risks to more vulnerable people. If you are over 70 or clinically extremely vulnerable, think carefully about the risks. The safest approach may be not to form a Christmas bubble.

If you do form a Christmas bubble, then be especially careful to observe the guidance: meet outdoors where possible, wash your hands regularly, keep a distance from those you do not live with. If you meet indoors, ensure good ventilation by letting in fresh air. The clinically extremely vulnerable and the elderly will be prioritised for vaccination in the early part of next year.

If you are in an existing household or support bubble with someone who is clinically extremely vulnerable, think carefully. To help reduce the risks to their health, the safest approach would be to celebrate with your household or support bubble and not with others.

If you are forming a Christmas bubble you should consider carefully the risks of travelling at all. If you live in an area with the highest level of protection, for example, tier 3 in England and level 4 in Scotland, you should avoid travelling to lower prevalence areas where possible.

Each administration will issue specific travel advice based on its own circumstances. If you have to travel, book ahead to enable you and others to travel safely and plan your outward and return journeys carefully. Once you arrive you should stay local and not travel within the area.

If you form a Christmas bubble, practise safe behaviours: washing your hands, making space between members of different households wherever you can, and letting in fresh air. Following these behaviours, even within the home, will greatly reduce the risk of transmission.

We will all need to carry on practising safe behaviours after Christmas. This means shopping only if you can do so safely: shop online where you can; avoid crowds; and, if you are in crowded areas, wear a face covering and only go where it is well ventilated.

It is also really important to cut down on social contact after seeing your Christmas bubble, to reduce the risk of chains of transmission. This includes not meeting up with friends or family outside your household for New Year’s Eve. The tier or level rules will be in place on New Year’s Eve / Hogmanay and it is essential, as the minimum, that these are followed by everyone.

By taking these steps together, we can all enjoy a safer Christmas.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has joined with the leaders of the UK Government and the Welsh Government in issuing guidance on how the public should approach Christmas celebrations this year.

The First Minister has stressed that the strong recommendation of the Scottish Government to people across Scotland is to celebrate Christmas this year within  your own household and in your own home – and as far as possible to keep any interaction with other households to a minimum. This is by far the safest way to spend this Christmas and keep your loved ones safe.

However, certain flexibilities were agreed in recognition of the impact of loneliness over Christmas on wellbeing and the fact that some people will not be willing to leave loved ones alone.

These provide a window of opportunity and should be seen as legal maximum to work well within. The guidance being issued seeks to reduce risks as far as possible for anyone choosing to use these flexibilities.

The First Minister stressed that the following key points should be taken into consideration by anyone choosing to spend time with other households indoors: keep the duration of any interaction as short as possible: keep any bubble as small as possible; avoid travel and overnight stays unless unavoidable; and comply with all distancing and hygiene advice.

She said: “Our strong advice this Christmas is to stay at home with your own household. Any interaction with other households should, as far as possible, be outdoors. That is the best way of keeping yourself and your loved ones safe this Christmas.

However, we recognize that in some cases, the isolation caused by being alone over Christmas will in itself cause harm to people’s welfare and that is why we have created a window of flexibility with accompanying guidance, to ensure that any household mixing is done as safely as possible,

“If you choose to form a bubble over the Christmas period, then you should take into consideration these key points:

“First, minimise the number of people in the bubble – while three households is the legal maximum, our recommendation is that two households would be better, and you should keep as far within the maximum of eight people over the age of 12 as you can. In short, the smaller the bubble is, the better and safer it will be.

“Second, you should minimise the time spent with your bubble, especially indoors. The five days is a window of opportunity, not a recommended time that it is safe for you to spend together – indeed, the Scottish Government recommends that you do not meet up with people in your bubble on any more than one day over the period and do not stay overnight unless it is unavoidable. And you should minimise the distance you intend to travel.

“You should also avoid all travel between high prevalence areas and low prevalence areas – in particular, that means avoiding travel to or from Scotland and Tier 3 areas in England, and to or from any Level 4 areas in Scotland (of which there are currently none).

The First Minister concluded: “Being asked not to see loved ones at Christmas unless absolutely essential is one of the toughest things imaginable. But, this year, it is essential to help keep people safe.

“With a vaccination programme now underway, a return to more normal life is on the horizon – and I hope that the prospect of brighter days ahead will help all of us get through this difficult Christmas as safely as possible.”

The Scottish Government guidance on Christmas and the festive period has been updated.

PRIME MINISTER BORIS JOHNSON’S CORONVIRUS UPDATE STATEMENT

‘So have yourselves a merry little Christmas – and I’m afraid this year I do mean little’

It is just a week since the United Kingdom began the biggest vaccination programme in our history.

And the public is coming forward at an extraordinary pace to get a jab, to protect themselves, beginning with the elderly and the most vulnerable.

With 138,000 recipients of the first dose – and more joining them every minute – there is no doubt we are winning and we will win our long struggle against this virus which makes it all the more important that we hold our nerve this winter.

Because we are now in a race to protect us all while doing everything we can to keep the virus under control.

And thanks to the colossal collective effort in November we did bring the R below 1; we did get the infection rate down.

But I must be frank with you – we are already seeing worrying rises in some parts of the country: Kent is still seeing rising infections; the number of cases in London is at 270 per 100,000 people. And that’s why we acted quickly by moving London into Tier 3 from today.

And tomorrow (Thursday) the Health Secretary will announce the outcome of the latest tiering review.

And so like every other European country facing similar challenges we have come to this moment, a great global festival – a turning point, a time of year that is of immense emotional and spiritual importance.

But also a moment for us to exercise extreme caution when we must remember that one of the most striking features of this virus is that it spreads invisibly from people who don’t even have symptoms which is in fact around 1 in 3 of everyone infected.

And that’s why from the beginning this virus has been so hard to fight and that’s why it’s so important to follow the rules – and why this Christmas it’s vital that everyone exercises the greatest possible personal responsibility.

And having looked at the latest data – with our colleagues in the Devolved Administrations, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, we have decided that the overall situation is, alas, worse and more challenging than we had hoped when we first set the rules.

So while it would not be right to criminalise people who have made plans and simply want to spend time with their loved ones, we are all collectively across the UK, governments at every level, asking you to think hard and in detail about the days ahead and whether you can do more to protect yourself and others.

We are keeping the laws the same – but we all want to send the same message: a smaller Christmas is going to be a safer Christmas, and a shorter Christmas is a safer Christmas.

When we say three households can meet on five days, I want to stress these are maximums, not targets to aim for.

And of course it is always going to be safest to minimise the number of people you meet.

And that means that if you are visiting others over Christmas, we are asking you – in the five days beforehand, as early as this Friday – to reduce the number of people you are in contact with to the lowest possible, because this virus spreads from human contact.

If possible don’t travel from a high prevalence to a low prevalence area and avoid staying away from home overnight if you can.

Remember, the vaccine is on the way and our aim is to inoculate everyone who is clinically extremely vulnerable or elderly in the early months of next year.

So if you’re elderly, the best way to minimise your personal risk is to wait to be vaccinated before spending time indoors with others.

And if you have an elderly relative, you might want to delay seeing them until they’ve been vaccinated.

And whatever your plans for Christmas, please think carefully about avoiding crowds in the Boxing Day Sales

And no one should be gathering in large groups to see in the New Year – remember the rules in your local area will apply.

In most places across the UK, I’m afraid that means you cannot mix with other households indoors.

All the information about how best to protect yourself and your loved ones is being made available on gov.uk.

So have yourselves a merry little Christmas – And I’m afraid this year I do mean little

But with the vaccine, and all the other measures that we are taking, we do know things will be better in this country by Easter. And I’m sure that next year Christmas will be as normal for every family in the country.

Eight things you should NEVER leave in the car

British drivers have been warned about the dangers of leaving eight common items in their cars.

As the winter weather creeps in, motoring experts from LeaseCar.uk have revealed eight items you should always take out of cars and vans as a matter of health and safety.

Most drivers will take their belongings out of their vehicles after every journey to prevent break-ins and theft, but even low-cost items like sun cream and water bottles should be removed as extreme temperatures can reduce their efficacy.

And although the research is still a bit unclear, studies have linked chemicals found in plastic water bottles with health conditions like cancer and heart disease, and leaving them in the sun could cause these chemicals to leach into the water.

A spokesperson for LeaseCar.uk said: “In normal times, commuters will spend quite a few hours in their cars each week or even each day, and as a result, our vehicles can become homes for a variety of essential items like medication, water bottles, and even some food and snacks.

“But as this list reveals, there are some risks involved in leaving certain items in our cars, particularly if they’re exposed to extreme temperatures.”

1.    Medication

Most medicine should be left at room temperature, but parked cars rarely remain at that point during summer and winter. Heat, cold and moisture inside your car probably won’t make your drugs directly harmful, but it could make them less effective.

2.    Sun cream

Ironically, the active ingredients in sun scream break down in high heat. So, while unlikely to happen in the winter, leaving it in the car on a hot day could reduce its efficacy. Plus, the heat could cause it to explode.

3.    Water bottles

Although the research is still a bit unclear, studies have linked chemicals found in plastic water bottles (BPA and phthalates) with health conditions like cancer and heart disease. Letting a bottle sit in the sun and heat up could cause these chemicals to leach into the water. Plus, if the bottle has been lying around for a while, it could start developing harmful bacteria.

4.    Aerosol cans

Cans of deodorant, hairspray, or spray paint can all expand in extreme temperatures, potentially creating a full-on explosion if they’re left in the hot or cold weather for too long.

5.    Important documents

Vehicle registration documents need to be kept in cars but storing other important papers such as tax forms or bank statements in your car can leave you vulnerable to identity theft. With enough information about you, thieves can assume your identity to make purchases in your name. 

6.    Canned foods

You should never leave canned or tinned food in the car during freezing weather. When canned food freezes, the liquid expands and can break the seal, spoiling the food.

7.    Mobile phones

Many phone manufacturers advise against storing their products at temperatures below zero degrees. Performance of the lithium-ion batteries that power many mobile phones withers in extreme cold. Plus, you don’t want to risk them getting stolen anyway.

8.    Glasses

Try not to leave your glasses in the car, as both heat and cold can affect the frames. Extreme heat could cause frames to warp and extreme cold could cause them to snap.

Rising COVID infection levels highlight concerns over school safety

The EIS has highlighted that the growing number of pupils and teachers infected with COVID-19 is creating increased concern over the effectiveness of COVID mitigations in schools and the safety of pupils, staff and the wider community.

Figures published on a regular basis by the Scottish Government have highlighted week-on-week increases in both the number of pupils and teachers infected with COVID-19 and, also, the number of pupils and teachers absent from school due to being required to self-isolate.

The latest updated figures, published on the Scottish Government website on Friday, indicate that 29,486 pupils were absent from school on 10th November for COVID-related reasons – an increase of 28% on the previous week’s figure of 23,034. For teachers, the figure of 1,559 teachers absent for COVID-related reasons represents an 18% increase on the previous week’s figure of 1,326.

EIS General Secretary Larry Flanagan said, “Our members are increasingly concerned by the week-on-week increase in the number of pupils and staff being infected with COVID-19.

“This, coupled with the increase in the numbers self-isolating, is having a significant impact on education provision and is raising anxiety levels over the effectiveness of safety mitigations in our schools.

“The weekly figures reveal an increasingly bleak picture and are leading to calls from members for a new approach to ensuring the safety of everyone within the school community.

With the Deputy First Minister indicating that some parts of Scotland may soon move to Level 4 restrictions, this will inevitably further heighten concerns over school safety and will prompt consideration of industrial action by our members, if schools are forced to remain fully open when staff feel it is unsafe to do so.”

Mr Flanagan added, “The EIS has repeatedly said that schools remaining fully operational cannot come at the expense of teacher and pupil wellbeing. Blended and remote learning models are increasingly being adopted in other countries to stem increases in COVID infection;  It is time for the Scottish Government to rethink its stance, in light of the rising infection levels, particularly if some areas do move into level 4 in the near future.”

Last week, the EIS issued a survey to its teacher members across Scotland, seeking their views on the effectiveness of COVID safety measures in schools. The survey will close next week and will inform the next steps to be taken by the EIS to protect teachers and pupils from the potential risk of COVID-19 infection.

They EIS survey is seeking members’ views on issues such as: perceptions of current COVID mitigations in their workplaces; attitudes to the Scottish Government’s Strategic Framework and its default position on schools remaining open at all levels; and member willingness or otherwise to support industrial action in response to a refusal to implement a move to blended or remote learning at Level 4, where staff support either contingency.

The survey also includes sections to gauge the specific COVID-related concerns of teachers in vulnerable groups and teachers without permanent contracts.

Updated guidance for colleges and universities

Revised guidance for colleges, universities and student accommodation providers reflecting the latest public health advice has been published.

It builds on previous guidance and uses the most up-to-date evidence to support universities, colleges and accommodation providers plan for a safe return to campus in the new academic year. It includes:

  • a continuation of blended learning, with significantly reduced frequency and numbers of staff and students on campus compared to pre-COVID levels
  • a requirement to keep face-to-face teaching to small groups, generally less than 30 and supported by other infection prevention control measures. Group numbers of up to 50 students may be considered in some circumstances, but only where supported by a risk assessment
  • advice that face coverings should be worn in any area on campus where physical distancing cannot be guaranteed, on dedicated college and university transport and in student accommodation indoor communal areas such as toilets, common rooms and laundry rooms
  • a requirement for colleges and universities to give clear information on regulations and guidance to students arriving from outside Scotland, and to take steps to ensure international students and staff who need to quarantine comply with the law, including using appropriate disciplinary procedures

The start of the student year will be fundamentally different this year with significant change to the delivery of education and a need to dramatically curtail the socialising many would associate with this period. It is vital, for the protection of public health, that institutions ensure that the guidance is complied with.

Universities Scotland, Colleges Scotland, National Union of Students (NUS), trades unions and public health professionals were consulted on the guidance.

Further and Higher Education Minister Richard Lochhead said: “Colleges and universities have been working extremely hard to ensure the safest possible environment for students and staff returning.

“Studying in Scotland is special no matter where you come from and, while this is an exciting time of year for new and returning students, it is not a resumption of normal life on campus.

“Remote learning will significantly reduce the number of people on campus at any one time, while everyone on campus or in student accommodation must follow the rules around quarantine, self-isolation, physical distancing and using face coverings.

“This guidance strengthens some of these issues and institutions must make students and staff aware of Scottish law and public health advice to keep themselves and others safe. For those people who need to quarantine on arrival, or self-isolate with COVID-19 symptoms, institutions will have a range of practical support in place.

“While we will keep the guidance under review, we believe this strikes the right balance of allowing young people to get on with their lives in a manner that is as safe as it can be for students, staff and society. I have no doubt that students will want to act responsibly and will follow the rules that we are asking them to observe.”

Professor Gerry McCormac, Convener of Universities Scotland, said: “Universities are looking forward to welcoming students back for the start of a new academic year.

“We have been working for months to plan a safe return that will support high quality learning and offer a rounded student experience while ensuring the safety of our students, staff and the wider community. It’s important that students have the opportunity to continue their studies; they’ve been through a lot and will benefit in many ways from a safe return to study.”

Shona Struthers, Chief Executive of Colleges Scotland, said: “The safety of our students and staff is the overarching priority, and this collaboration between the college and university sectors, NUS Scotland and the Scottish Government is an important element in helping everyone in the tertiary education system return to campuses with confidence in the measures which have been put in place.

“As well as following the latest advice from the Scottish Government and Public Health Scotland, colleges will continue to engage with student associations, staff, and trade unions to do everything possible to make the approach of blended online and onsite learning for students a success throughout this new academic year.

“Although the practical implications of COVID-19 certainly present challenges to the sector, colleges and their staff have shown remarkable resilience and flexibility in continuing to successfully deliver learning throughout the pandemic.”

Professor Marion Bain, Interim Deputy Chief Medical Officer, said: “University and college life in the midst of Covid19 will feel very different.  While learning will continue and students will enjoy spending time with friends, this must be done in a safe way. 

“It is vital that students and staff are aware of what they need to do and that they follow all the requirements.  These measures are essential in ensuring safety for students, staff and for all those around them.”

Coronavirus (COVID-19): Guidance for universities, colleges and student accommodation providers

Information on what you can and cannot do under Scotland’s route map

Information and advice on COVID-19 is available on Student Information Scotland

DIY SOS star Billy helps keep Edinburgh DIY enthusiasts safe

TV electrician helps to share SP Energy Networks’ electrifying safety advice

Popular TV electrician Billy Byrne is helping people in Edinburgh stay safe with a series of videos sharing his top tips for people turning to DIY at home and in the garden.

The 65-year-old, famous for his role on BBC television show DIY SOS, is working with SP Energy Networks to promote good practice when it comes to working near electricity.

The number of safety incidents involving electricity around homes and gardens has risen steeply since last year, with more people digging out the toolbox or paintbrush during lockdown.

Figures from SP Energy Networks show a surge in DIY garden projects led to a 24% increase in reported incidents across the UK – rising from 126 incidents from January to June 2019 to 161 incidents in the same period this year. This spike in domestic incidents involved activities such as digging up trees, cutting high hedges, hammering in fences and painting over electricity service positions.

Billy, who has witnessed his fair share of electrical disasters over the years, has worked with SP Energy Networks to develop straight talking advice to ensure people stay safe while working in the garden, in the home and near overhead power lines, which people can often forget about when they take on DIY.

Billy, who has starred on DIY SOS since 1999, said:“Most of us have spent more time at home over the last six months than we have in the last six years. For me, it was a chance to tackle the odd jobs I’ve been putting off. But before you get cracking, you need to stop and think about the risks.

“The guys at SP Energy Networks really are a go-to source for easy to understand advice that anyone thinking of undertaking DIY should check out before they get started. It’s better to be safe than sorry.”

Billy’s top tips are:

  • Electricity cables and power lines should always be treated as live. Check for overhead power lines when working with ladders, scaffold or when pruning and cutting trees in your garden.
  • Shut off the power. If you’re doing any work near electrical wiring or power supplies, where possible, shut off the power in your fuse box and use battery powered tools.
  • Use a cable detector to locate cables in your walls. A common DIY mistake is accidentally drilling, nailing or screwing things into cables hidden inside your walls.
  • Don’t assume that overhead lines on wooden poles are telephone wires – look for the “Danger of Death” sign as this tells you it’s an electricity pole. Touching anything with power lines can be deadly so remember you don’t have to make direct contact with an overhead line to receive a shock as electricity can jump gaps.
  • Underground cables don’t run in straight lines, they can change direction and depth. If your electricity is supplied by an underground cable and you’re planning digging work in your garden, please proceed with caution. If you are planning deep excavations, network plans are available from SP Energy Networks by calling 0141 614 0085.
  • In an emergency, dial 999 and let the emergency services know your location and that live electricity is involved. This can save lives.

SP Energy Networks’ safety campaign is designed to get people thinking about the dangers of electricity before attempting DIY.  

Guy Jefferson, Customer Service Director at SP Energy Networks, said: “Since the start of the year, there has been a sharp rise in safety incidents as people do more DIY around their homes and gardens where there are lots of hidden electrical hazards.

“It’s important to consider these risks and make sure you follow the advice Billy outlines in the videos to ensure you can carry out projects as safely as possible. We want to help people plan ahead so we’ve put together some top tips to avoid some of the mishaps Billy has witnessed over the years.”

SP Energy Networks provides free safety advice on its website for those who are planning to do work near powerlines and underground cables. 

For further information please visit www.spenergynetworks.co.uk/pages/safety.aspx

Local public health consultant develops technology to reduce risk of exposure to COVID-19 in economic spaces

Medical doctor, clinical epidemiologist and public health consultant, Dr Paul Nelson, has developed a pioneering technology that will significantly reduce the risk of exposure to Covid-19 in all ‘economic spaces’ – shops? – across the City of Edinburgh and beyond.

The groundbreaking innovation, supported by early adopters, Essential Edinburgh and a number of independent retailers, is set to roll out across the city next month, affording shop workers and patrons a safer working environment whilst inspiring confidence and supporting the recovery of economic activity. 

Dr Paul Nelson said: “We are creating a Movement which is enabling business owners and residents alike, to take back some control and mitigate the effects that the pandemic has had on their livelihoods.

“We’ve witnessed a significant amount of initial interest so far and are delighted to be working with Essential Edinburgh to roll this out across Edinburgh and beyond.

“As we all get on board and as the shopkeepers (and other business owners)  become gatekeepers, we all safeguard the economy by identifying symptomatic people. Businesses, harnessing the Dunkirk Spirit, will create a Cordon Sanitaire or Community Screening Programme that is currently lacking and not even possible to be provided in the usual way via public services.”

“Contact tracing is crucial to halt the spread of the virus and currently there is no way of picking up people who have symptoms if they don’t go to their doctor. According to the latest figures from ONS, 70% of cases are not currently referring themselves for testing.”

Roddy Smith, Chief Executive and Director of Essential Edinburgh commented: “Consumer confidence has understandably taken a big hit and businesses are also dealing with the huge impact of lockdown and will be for some time.

Empowering both businesses and consumers, FFZ has the potential to provide an additional level of confidence for both. We’re really looking forward to working with Paul and the team to further support our businesses and local community.”

Ian Murray MP, Labour Member of Parliament for Edinburgh South commented: “I am delighted that this idea, developed by a local resident Dr. Paul Nelson, is coming to fruition.

“I appreciate that many businesses will have suffered and most importantly will continue to suffer for the coming weeks or months as we recover from lockdown and this innovation provides a technological route to augment recovery for businesses across Edinburgh and beyond.”

The simple integrated symptom screening membership service designed to enable businesses and customers to reduce the risk of exposure to people with Covid-19 is completely non-invasive and simple to operate.

Shop owners will take the temperature of patrons on entry into their spaces using a clinically approved, contactless thermometer which will then communicate via Bluetooth to a free Fever Free app downloaded by each user.

The process uses a progressive web app, which means it doesn’t need to be downloaded from the App store and requires only bare minimum personal data.

Once cleared, the person is issued a six hours pass attesting they are fever-free. During this time, the pass ‘holder’ will experience a frictionless outing as they show it to other participating businesses in the area, all while preserving the privacy of all participants

If high temperature is detected, the shopkeeper will encourage the person to go home and the app will prompt them to pass on details to the contact tracing services (if they agree), who will get in touch with the person to be sent a test.

Argyle Place and Roseneath Street area, Edinburgh (EH9) businesses are driving the first Fever Free Zones as the team begin to roll out the technology.

An early adopter of FFZ, Karen Kirkness, owner of Meadowlark Yoga on Argyle Place, added: “We need to keep our spaces open if our economy is to survive, while maintaining the responsibility to do so as safely as possible.

“FFZ empowers us to identify symptoms that help our community to help itself in its efforts to stay healthy, engage with the economy, all while supporting the NHS’s efforts to track and trace.”

Dr Nelson concludes: “It is hoped that the frictionless access to fever-free high streets will inspire confidence and boost economic activity. If fevers are measured at the point-of-access, and if in turn this triggers a consent-initiated contact with NHS Test and Protect, then these measures could dramatically improve NHS Trace and Protect’s ability to eradicate COVID-19.”

UK government guidelines should be followed at all times, such as wearing a face covering and maintaining social distancing guidelines.

For more information visit: www.feverfree.zone

Staying Safe in the Hills

“Plan your walk, walk your plan” is the message Sergeant Peter Lorain-Smith of Police Scotland’s Mountain Rescue Team wants to get out at this time.

Peter said: “If you are thinking of heading to our beautiful hills and mountains, it is important to be prepared by planning the route you are going to walk and having suitable equipment and clothing, as the weather up in the hills can change quickly.

“Unfortunately we have come across examples recently of walkers not being prepared for the walks that they are undertaking, including people being on the hills without maps, torches or basic survival gear, or the skills and knowledge to use them. The message remains simple – come to the hills and enjoy them, but be prepared for all eventualities and don’t go beyond your ability.

“We do not want to put anyone off enjoying the great outdoor activities we have here in Scotland but we would ask that people plan their routes, take sensible precautions and consider whether it is safe to climb a particular route. The environment of the Scottish mountains is by its very nature an unpredictable one and it is important that people take as many precautions and plan ahead as much as possible if they are going to go climbing.

“If you do find yourself in need of assistance in the mountains because of being lost or injured then please remember to phone 999 and ask for Police then Mountain Rescue, you will be helped, but because of the COVID-19 restrictions and volume of calls, it may take longer than normal for us to get to you.

“It is also very important to have respect for the Outdoor Access Code, particularly as it relates to where and when not to park, on what can often be narrow and somewhat crowded roads at this time of year. Emergency vehicles can require access to almost anywhere and a badly parked vehicle could hinder emergency access. Use designated parking areas where possible.

“Details of the code can be found at www.outdooraccess-scotland.scot .”

Students urged to ‘stay alert’ when moving into rental accomodation

Students across Scotland heading off to university next month are being urged to stay alert and check that correct safety measures have been followed before moving into rental accommodation.

The advice follows A-Levels results day as students across the country begin to finalise their accommodation decisions. The impact of COVID-19 means an expected rise in those living and studying from home through e-learning, but for those moving into accommodation it is important not to rush into contracts.

A recent survey of students revealed over two-thirds of renters’ biggest problems included damp, lack of water or heating and living in dangerous conditions. *

There are fears that the increased uncertainty of COVID-19 might lead to students signing contracts for cheaper housing in a bid to save money without properly inspecting the property first.

This could result in students living in potentially unsafe conditions which might put their health at risk, or create significant disruption if they must move out halfway through the year because the house becomes uninhabitable. Of particular concern are poorly maintained heating systems that could be life-threatening if they emit harmful carbon monoxide fumes.

To help students know what to look out for when deciding on accommodation, OFTEC, the trade association for liquid fuels, has issued a safety checklist for students in Scotland which outlines the legal requirements landlords must follow and the key red flags to look out for:

1.    Check that every floor of the property has a working smoke alarm. Carbon Monoxide alarms are also mandatory in rooms which use solid fuel (such as an open fireplace).

2.    Make sure there is always clear access to a fire escape route.

3.    Upholstered furniture such as beds and sofas must have appropriate fire safety labels attached.

4.    Check all electrical appliances (kettles, TVs, light fittings etc.) are working correctly as it is the landlord’s responsibility to ensure they are in a good condition. Electrical Safety First also recommends portable electrical appliances provided by landlords are tested at regular intervals.

5.    For a mains gas heating system, the boiler must have been serviced by a Gas Safe registered engineer. If you are moving into one of the 135000 oil heated homes in Scotland, an OFTEC registered technician should service the system. When viewing the property, ask to test the heating and check the radiators warm up.

Malcolm Farrow from OFTEC, commented: “It’s that time of year again for students in Scotland as they prepare for university and many move into rented accommodation.

“Whilst most landlords are fully responsible, unfortunately there are some unscrupulous owners who will try to dupe students into living in potentially unsafe accommodation full of problems.

“With the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, it can also be an incredibly nervous time for students so it would be easy to forget some of the vital property checks. But, staying alert and spotting any issues before you move into your chosen accommodation will help you avoid further problems that might affect your stay. In addition, check your tenancy agreements for any clauses around COVID-19 to get a full grasp of what you are agreeing to.”

For further advice and information, visit www.oftec.org.

To see the latest government guidance and advice for landlords and tenants during the COVID-19 pandemic, visit https://bit.ly/31PzzDe

EIS Makes Direct Plea to First Minister: ‘Do More on School Safety’

The EIS has made a direct plea to First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, urging her to do more to make schools safe from the risk of COVID-19.

In an unusual step, the EIS has written directly to the First Minister pointing out clear inconsistencies in COVID safety policy outwith and within schools, and urging the Scottish Government to do more to protect pupils, staff and school communities from the risk of COVID infection.

In the letter, EIS General Secretary Larry Flanagan says, “Standing alongside you at Monday’s daily briefing, (National Clinical Director) Jason Leitch stated that there were concerns around people meeting outside schools in large groups.

“He went on to say, ‘This includes parents gathering at school gates; young people meeting friends without following the guidance on physical distances.’ He concluded, ‘To remind you, the maximum permitted is eight people from three households, including your own, indoors, and 15 people from five households outdoors.’

‘Crucially, everyone 12 and over must physically distance from everyone outside their own household. People are running the risk of spreading the virus to each other, their families and their loved ones.’ May I ask, then, why the Scottish Government thinks that it is acceptable that inside schools these rules don’t apply, where up to 33 pupils may be in a closed confined area, i.e. a classroom, with as many different households as there are people?”

The letter continues, “We need the Scottish Government to fund the hiring of the 3,500 teachers identified by the GTCS as willing to aid Education recovery, so that we can reduce class sizes and make possible physical distancing.

“We also need stronger advice on face coverings, where physical distancing is not possible. You cannot visit a museum without one but again schools are different?”

Mr Flanagan adds, “EIS members supported the decision to reopen schools as we understand the importance of Education to our young people – that does not mean the very real concerns of teachers about school safety should be set aside. I urge you and your Government to do more.”