Scotland’s Councils are being given an extra £16 million to help tackle homelessness by moving people swiftly from temporary accommodation into settled homes.
The funding, to be awarded over the next two financial years, takes the total investment in rapid rehousing to £53.5 million. Rapid rehousing aims to ensure people spend the shortest amount of time possible in temporary accommodation, giving them a settled place to live as soon as appropriate.
The package includes an investment of £6.5 million in the Housing First pathfinder to support people with multiple and complex needs.
Housing Secretary Shona Robison said: “Tackling homelessness is about much more than just providing a bed for the night. Temporary accommodation is an important safety net, but most people need a settled place to stay where they can rebuild their lives.
“Rapid rehousing is based around the idea that most people need a settled home, and this new funding will help councils progress their Rapid Rehousing Transition Plans to move people as quickly as possible into appropriate, settled accommodation.
“The best way to reduce the number of households in temporary accommodation is to prevent homelessness from happening in the first place, and today’s announcement follows the recent publication of our consultation on plans for new legal duties on public bodies, highlighting the shared public responsibility to prevent homelessness in Scotland.”
Rapid Rehousing Transition Plans cover an initial period of five years from 2019. The new funding comprises £8 million in 2022/23 and £8 million in 2023/24.
Details of a financial package worth £65 million for culture and major events have been confirmed by the Culture Secretary Angus Robertson.
The split of the funding is as follows:
for cultural businesses, organisations, venues and independent cinema support and grassroots venues – £31.5 million
National Performing Companies (for Christmas losses and touring fund re-purposing) – £2 million
Freelancers – £10 million
Events sector – £19.8 million
Museums, galleries and heritage – £1.7 million
Culture Secretary Angus Robertson said: “The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is once again causing disruption and uncertainty in the culture and events sector, who have already been hit so hard by its impact.
“We have been engaging with the sector about the impact of the Omicron variant and we are fully committed to supporting culture and events while they recover from the impact of the COVID – and we are aware of just how important they are to Scotland, and indeed the wider recovery from this pandemic.
“These additional funds will help protect the livelihoods of the people working in the sector – and allow us to give further support to freelancers, culture organisations, venues and our national performing companies.”
Creative Scotland’s Cancellation Fund for Creative Freelancers opens for applications this Thursday at 2pm.
Creative Scotland’s Chief Executive Iain Munro said: “We are very grateful for this significant increase in emergency funding from the Scottish Government which reflects the severity of the challenges being faced by Scotland’s culture sector.
“Our Cancellation Fund for Creative Freelancers is live, with applications open from 6 January, and more information on support for organisations and venues will follow as soon as possible.”
VisitScotland Director of Events Paul Bush said: “The Scottish Government’s commitment of £19.8 million for Scotland’s events sector is welcome news as the industry continues to deal with the latest challenges presented by the pandemic and the Omicron variant.
“EventScotland is currently working with the Scottish Government and the Event Industry Advisory Group (EIAG) to determine the best way of distributing the funding to ensure we get support to those in need across the sector, and details on this will be shared shortly.”
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon last week announced how £107 million is being allocated to support businesses impacted by the spread of the Omicron variant.
The funding, which follows an initial £100 million lifeline package, means the Scottish Government has now allocated £207 million of the £375 million committed to business support. Following discussions with stakeholders, this latest package is targeted at some of the hardest hit sectors and payments will start in the new year.
Business support is being provided to mitigate the impact of public health measures introduced to limit the rapid spread of the Omicron variant. Proportionate restrictions have been implemented for at least three weeks to allow immunity from the accelerated booster vaccination programme to take effect.
Decisions on the allocation of the remaining £168 million will be confirmed following consultation with affected sectors on how it can best be targeted
The latest £107 million support package is broken down into:
£32 million more for hospitality and leisure businesses
£10 million targeting parts of the hospitality industry most severely affected by requirement for table service
£5 million targeted support for nightclubs now required to close
£27 million for culture, due to impact of physical distancing and caps on attendance
£17 million for events, due to impact of physical distancing and caps on attendance
£16 million for existing public transport COVID-19 support schemes to recognise the impact on fare revenue
Final details of the funding available for each sector is being determined in discussion with business and sector organisations and will be published as soon as possible.
Hospitality businesses will be contacted by their local authority to access top up funding through the December and January Business Top Up.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “We recognise that the public health measures necessary to limit the spread of Omicron have had a severe economic impact, especially for sectors like hospitality and culture which would normally be experiencing their busiest trading period.
“We will be providing a total of £375 million for affected businesses and continue to press the UK Government for more comprehensive support, akin to what was provided earlier in the pandemic. We know this funding won’t cover all losses but it is to compensate for cancellations and ensure businesses can survive the winter period and be ready to trade fully in the new year.
“The best way to support business sustainably is get the virus back under control. Please get your boosters and stay at home as much as possible just now.”
Secondary pupils are being advised to take at-home COVID-19 tests before they return to school to limit the spread of Omicron.
Those without symptoms should do a lateral flow device (LFD) test the night before or on the morning of the return to classes following the festive break. After that, testing should be done twice weekly.
All LFD test results – positive, negative or void – should be recorded via the online portal.
Staff in schools and early learning and childcare settings should follow the same advice.
Anyone who receives a positive LFD test result, those with symptoms, or those identified as close contacts should immediately self-isolate and book a PCR test.
Education Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “It is our absolute priority to keep schools safely open and minimise further disruption to learning. To achieve that, we need the help of the whole school community. Taking lateral flow tests before returning to school, and continuing to test regularly will help prevent outbreaks of the virus.
“We are grateful to schools for their continued efforts to stress the importance of asymptomatic testing. Parents of secondary pupils can also help by encouraging their children to make testing part of their weekly routine – and, importantly, to report all results online, whether positive, negative or void.
“Safety guidance for schools was updated in December in light of Omicron and it is crucial that all the mitigations are strictly followed. These include physical distancing, one-way systems and the correct use of face coverings.
“By testing regularly and following the mitigations, pupils and staff can all play their part in keeping themselves, their families and their schools safe.”
Chief Medical Officer Professor Sir Gregor Smith said: “With Omicron spreading so rapidly, it is vital that we all do what we can to limit its transmission. Rapid lateral flow testing helps us to find infectious cases that might otherwise have been missed, as around one in three people with COVID-19 does not show classic symptoms.
“That’s why it is really important that secondary pupils and school and early learning and childcare staff take lateral flow tests before they return to classes and settings after the break, and that they keep testing regularly throughout term.
“They should also take LFD tests before they meet up with others outside of school or ELC settings.
“Pupils and staff who are eligible for vaccination should get their jags, and, where appropriate, boosters as soon as they can to receive greater protection from the virus.
“Those aged 12-15 are being offered second doses of the vaccine from this week and I would urge them to take up the offer.
“Drop-in sessions will be available for this age group from today (January 3 2022), while those who have already been given a date for their second jag can call a helpline to bring their appointment forward and get protection from the virus earlier.”
LFD tests should only be used if you don’t have symptoms.You must NOT use a LFD test if you:
have symptoms – you must self-isolate immediately and book a PCR test
have been asked to self-isolate because you are a close contact of a positive case. You must self-isolate and book a PCR test
If you receive a positive LFD test result, you must self-isolate immediately and book a PCR test.
If parents or pupils haven’t already been provided with LFD kits by their schools, they can be accessed in a range of different ways before returning to school. Information on accessing test kits
Drop-in vaccination sessions will be available for 12-15-year-olds from January 3 2022. Those who have already received a scheduled appointment can bring it forward by calling 0800 030 8013.
NHS Inform and local health board websites will provide further details of where drop-in sessions are available in each area.
Following JCVI advice, this age group can get their second vaccination from 12 weeks after their first dose.
Anyone under the age of 18 who has previously tested positive for COVID must wait 12 weeks from infection to be given their second dose
Testing measures to ensure young people return to classrooms in England
All secondary schools in England have been asked to provide one on-site test for pupils ahead of their return to the classroom this term to help reduce the transmission of Covid-19.
Education staff and college students are being asked to self-test at home before they return, and were sent home with tests ahead of the Christmas break.
Schools and colleges ordered tests before Christmas and have received these in advance of pupils returning, and will continue to be able to order additional tests through a separate supply route. Schools and colleges made test kits available to pupils before the end of term and they will have access to more as needed.
Students returning to university have also been advised to test before they travel back to campus.
Secondary, college and university students and education staff and early years staff should then continue to test themselves twice a week, and more frequently if they are specifically asked to do so, such as in the event of an outbreak.
12-15 year olds are encouraged to get fully vaccinated (two doses), to ensure they are protected. 16 and 17 year olds are now eligible for boosters and are being strongly encourage to take up this offer when invited to do so, along with university students.
Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi said: “Being in face to face learning is undoubtedly the very best place for children and young people’s education and wellbeing, and my priority remains on keeping early years settings, schools, colleges and universities open so that face-to-face education can continue.
As we enter this new term, I want to thank all staff working in education for their continued dedication and resilience. It is through the hard work of all of you that we have ensured, and will continue to ensure pupils and students get the learning that they deserve. We must continue to look forward and not forget how far we have come in our fight against this virus.
The very best way we can continue to protect ourselves and our families is by getting the booster, or second jab if you are aged 12-15 – as soon as possible. I urge anyone who hasn’t done this to do so now.
Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said: “We are doing all we can to minimise disruption this virus causes to everyday life, including keeping children in school, and regular testing is a key way to support schools and protect face-to-face teaching.
“Vaccines remain our greatest line of defence so I urge all 12-15 year olds who have not come forward yet to get vaccinated, and all teachers to Get Boosted Now to protect yourself and those around you.
Children’s Commissioner for England Dame Rachel de Souza DBE said: Children have told me how much they really value and appreciate school as a place to learn, build friendships and take part in activities that benefit their physical and mental wellbeing.
“As Children’s Commissioner and having run schools all my life, I’m always excited about the start of a new term and the return to school. I am especially focused on this one, as it is so important schools are open and ready to welcome children.
“We are so fortunate to have great teachers and parents who have already done so much to have children back in the classroom, and former teachers happy to volunteer extra support to keep children there. I want our classrooms open and operating because I firmly believe it is where all children belong and want to be. We owe it to them to make sure this happens.”
Proportionate safety measures will also remain in schools, colleges and universities to help reduce the transmission of the virus, including increased ventilation and good hygiene, with older students and staff wearing face coverings.
All early years settings, schools, colleges, and universities are advised to continue to follow the latest guidance set out by the department which is kept regularly under review.
Families are being urged to get young people aged 12-15 their second dose of the COVID vaccine as early as possible in the New Year.
Drop-in sessions will be available for this age group from January 3 2022, while those who have already been given a date for their second jag can call a helpline to bring their appointment forward and get protection from the virus earlier.
Following JCVI advice, this age group can get their second vaccination from 12 weeks after their first dose. NHS Inform and local health board websites will provide further details of where drop-in sessions are available in each area.
Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “Additional vaccinator capacity across Scotland means we are now in a position to offer second doses to the 12-15 age group earlier than previously planned.
“Eligible young people can get their second doses from next week, and before they return to school in many cases. I would urge them to take up the offer as early as they can, to receive greater protection from the virus.
“The festive season saw a major effort to get adults boosted by the bells. But we need to keep up momentum and make sure everyone is protected from the virus, particularly with the emergence of the new Omicron variant.”
Those who have already received a scheduled appointment can bring it forward by calling 0800 030 8013.
If you’re eligible, you can drop in for your booster at clinics all over Lothian. Learn whether you’re eligible, and find the closest clinic to you, at:
Priority given to essential workers and those most at risk
Essential workers, those at highest risk and anyone eligible for new COVID treatments will be prioritised for a PCR test site slot. This measure is being taken to ensure timely access to PCR testing, as rising rates of COVID-19 infections are resulting in increasing demand.
It is vital that essential workers get the test results they need to qualify for a prompt exemption from self-isolation. However testing remains available for anyone who needs it.
Test & Protect will also focus resources on those most at risk of harm. This means most people will be contacted by text message or email – with contact tracers prioritising telephone calls to those linked to higher risk settings such as hospitals and care homes.
People should respond to the text or email message, and complete the online form provided, so close contacts can receive the advice they need as quickly as possible.
Updating Parliament yesterday, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: ““The current surge in cases means testing capacity – sampling and processing – is under pressure. So we are now prioritising some slots for essential workers – such as NHS and transport staff – as well as for those who are clinically vulnerable or eligible for new Covid treatments. This ensures that essential workers will get the test results they need to qualify for an exemption promptly.
“This is a sensible step to take at this stage. However, notwithstanding this priority for essential workers, let me stress that testing remains available for anyone who needs it.
“If you try to book a test, and can’t find a slot in a location you can get to, do try again later. Additional PCR slots are released throughout the day.
“Test & Protect is also, for now, focusing its telephone tracing on high risk settings, such as care homes. The majority of us, if we test positive, will be contacted by text or e-mail, rather than by phone. If you are contacted by Test & Protect – either as a positive case or a close contact – please respond and complete the online form, and make sure you follow all advice given.”
An investment of £33.1 million was announced last month to safeguard the future of Scotland’s contact tracing workforce of more than 500. The change to PCR prioritisation for test site booking slots will not affect booking a PCR home test.
Information about the new COVID-19 treatments and the eligibility criteria is available at nhsinform.scot
People on the highest risk list, and those who are eligible for new COVID treatments should tick that they are an essential worker to ensure prioritised access to booking a PCR test.
Help for low income households this festive period
Projects that support low income households will benefit from a funding boost through the Scottish Government’s Winter Support Fund.
Sixteen charities will receive a share of over £6 million to provide support to low income families with direct assistance for living costs, as well as initiatives such as debt advice and parenting helplines.
The cash is part of a £41 million Winter Support Fund announced by the Social Justice Secretary in October which also includes £10 million to help people struggling to pay fuel bills and £25 million awarded to local authorities to respond to financial insecurity and support wellbeing based on local needs.
The Winter Support Fund aims to help people on low incomes, children and people at risk of homelessness against a backdrop of rising living and fuel costs.
Social Justice Secretary Shona Robison said: “We know many families are struggling financially just now with the rising cost of living and the impact of the pandemic.
“The recent sharp increase in Covid-19 cases, linked to the omicron variant, has only added to the challenge but we’re determined to ease some of the strain by providing direct support to people who need it most.
“Our trusted charity partners and volunteers have played a crucial role throughout the pandemic and we appreciate and value the services they provide.
“We hope these funds will help those most in need over Christmas, which we appreciate can be a difficult time for many.”
The STV Children’s Appeal will receive £1,200,000 to support children in need through its network of grassroots and community organisations.
Chair Paul Reynolds said: “The winter period is often one of the most difficult times of the year for families affected by poverty in Scotland, so this support package comes at the most crucial of times.
“Through collaboration with hundreds of charities and projects, we support the most vulnerable children and young people across the country, and we’ll help to make sure that these funds provide the food, clothing, shelter and heating needed by so many families throughout this challenging season.”
Aberlour Children’s Charity will receive £250,000 for its Urgent Assistance Fund.
Chief Executive SallyAnn Kelly said: “This support comes at a time when families and their children are facing the second tough winter in a row. It will make a real difference to so many families, who have found themselves pushed into poverty and who are struggling to keep their head above water.
“Applications for our fund have doubled in recent months and the top reason for families seeking help is to feed their children. It’s vitally important that this funding is distributed to families quickly and reaches those children who need the very basics.”
Social Justice Secretary Shona Robison first announced the £41 million Winter Support Fund on 29 October 2021.
A digital funding mapping tool has been developed to display the funding allocated across the three strands of the Winter Support Fund.
Statement given by the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon to the Scottish Parliament Edinburgh on 29 December 2021
Thank you very much Presiding Officer.
I will give our latest assessment today on the spread of Omicron and, in light of that, I can confirm no immediate changes to the protections currently in force or the advice we are giving the public.
However, I will also talk about the data we will be monitoring closely in the days ahead as we assess the likely impact of this wave of infection and the continued necessity and proportionality of our response.
I will also briefly summarise the protective measures which took effect earlier this week to help slow spread, and provide some further detail of the support available to businesses.
Finally, I will report on the delivery of booster vaccinations.
First, though, today’s statistics. 15,849 positive cases were reported yesterday – 28.9% of all tests carried out.
Now it’s worth noting that the much higher test positivity experienced over recent days may be partially explained by people being more selective about when to go for a test over the Christmas period.
However, this is by some margin the highest overall daily case number reported in the pandemic to date.
679 people are currently in hospital with Covid – which is 80 more than yesterday.
And 36 people are in intensive care – 1 fewer than yesterday.
I will say more shortly about the numbers of people with Covid in hospital and why this is an important indicator as we judge the most proportionate response going forward.
Sadly though, a further 3 deaths have been reported, taking the total number of deaths under this daily definition to 9,836.
And once again, I want to send my condolences to everyone who has lost a loved one.
Presiding Officer
It is clear from these figures that the wave of Omicron that has been predicted is now rapidly developing.
Omicron now counts for around 80% of all cases and over the past week the number of reported cases overall has increased by 47%.
We should also bear in mind that any transmission over recent days will not yet be fully evident in the reported figures.
So it is reasonable to assume that we will continue to see steep increases in cases in the days and indeed possibly in the weeks ahead.
That said, it is also important to remember that our individual and collective behavior will influence how fast or otherwise the virus spreads.
The current surge would almost certainly be even higher, but for so many people following advice to cut down on social interactions in the run up to Christmas.
And given the speed and extent of the transmission we are experiencing now, it is really vital that we all continue to take sensible precautions and limit social interactions for a further period, as we learn more about the likely impact of this wave of infection and as we complete the booster vaccination programme.
Presiding Officer
Obviously one of the factors we are looking at most closely is the proportion of Omicron cases that require hospital treatment. This will tell us more about the severity of Omicron for individuals and also about the overall impact that it is likely to have on the NHS. This will therefore inform our ongoing response.
Before I say more about that, though, it is worth emphasising that there are other reasons to do all we can at this stage to slow down the spread.
Firstly, whatever the overall impact of Omicron turns out to be, we know that this virus will cause serious illness and death for some. We also know that for others, long Covid will cause ongoing suffering.
Secondly, we know that high levels of infection and therefore sickness absence, will be disruptive to the economy and the delivery of critical services – and I will say more later about how we are seeking to mitigate this.
However, as things stand, none of us should be complacent about getting Covid. We should take steps to avoid it if we can.
There is no doubt however, that the data we are looking at most closely just now is the conversion of cases into hospital admissions.
And there are here some grounds for optimism.
Over the past week, published studies have suggested that the risk of hospitalization from Omicron is lower – possibly significantly lower – than for other strains of the virus.
What is not yet fully understood is why this might be the case – whether it is because Omicron is inherently less severe, or because of its greater ability to infect those who have had prior infection or been vaccinated which means that more of those who get it carry a level of immunity that protects them from more serious illness.
We don’t yet know the answer to that but, either way, if it is the case that a much lower proportion of people with Omicron need hospital care compared to other strains of the virus, that is really good news – especially as Omicron is now the dominant strain and good news both in terms of individual health and overall impact.
And of course it would inform how we respond in the weeks ahead.
However – and this remains key – for at least the next couple of weeks, we do need to show continued caution as we assess in real time the impact that these higher case numbers will have on the NHS.
It is encouraging that, at least until now, the rise in cases experienced over the past few weeks has not translated into a corresponding rise in hospital admissions or occupancy.
On the contrary, the number of people in hospital with Covid has so far remained broadly stable.
However, again, we do need to exercise caution.
The numbers in hospital with Covid in England is now rising quite sharply – which may be a sign of things to come here.
And indeed today’s reported increase in hospital occupancy of 80 is the biggest we have seen for some time.
And we know that there is a time lag between rising cases and rising hospital admissions.
And, of course, in terms of sheer numbers, the benefits of a lower rate of hospitalization could be quickly cancelled out by the much higher case numbers resulting from significantly increased transmissibility.
So we will be monitoring all of this data very carefully in the days to come.
As well as looking at the headline numbers, we will also be interrogating the detail – for example, the breakdown between those in hospital because of Covid, and those in hospital who have Covid but who were admitted for different reasons; and also whether the average length of stay in hospital for those with Omicron is different to other variants.
All in all, I would expect that within the next couple of weeks, we will have a clearer picture and that this will then help us reach informed judgments about the most proportionate response going forward.
In the meantime, however, while we better understand the impacts and while more and more of us get the added protection of booster vaccinations – which will of course help reduce the impacts of Omicron – we must try to avoid the sheer volume of cases overwhelming us.
That is why it is prudent, indeed I would say it is essential, that we do act to slow transmission at this stage as much as possible.
Indeed that is why additional protections were announced last week and are now in force and I will summarise these shortly.
And it is also why, over Hogmanay and New Year’s day, and for at least the first week of January, we are advising everyone to stay at home more than normal, to reduce contacts with people outside our own households, and to limit the size of any indoor social gatherings that do take place so that they don’t include people from any more than 3 households. Also try to ventilate indoor spaces as much as possible.
And it remains our advice – our strong advice – that lateral flow tests should be taken just before meeting up with anyone from another household.
And if that shows a positive result, it is vital to immediately isolate and book a PCR test.
You should also isolate and book a PCR test if you have symptoms that might be Covid.
Following this advice is difficult and frustrating at the best of times I know. But it is even harder at this time of year.
But it really does help and it will be helping already not withstanding these very high case numbers. So please do stick with it for now.
In addition to this general advice to the public, the new protective measures relating to hospitality, public indoor places, and live events that I set out last week are now in force. We will review these on an ongoing basis but, at this stage, our expectation is that they will be in force until 17 January.
That means, for now, limits on the size of live public events – though private life events such as weddings are exempt.
For indoor standing events the limit is 100; for indoor seated events 200; and for outdoor events it is 500 seated or standing.
I know some question the rationale for this – so let me set it out again.
Firstly, the higher transmissibility of Omicron means that large gatherings have a much greater potential to become rapid super-spreader events.
Second, there are transmission risks associated with travel to and from such events.
And, thirdly, they do place significant demands on emergency services – such as the police and ambulance service. At a time when emergency services are already dealing with high levels of staff absence due to the virus, not having large scale public events allows these services to focus on the delivery of core services to the public.
As well as limits on large events, some further protections are now in force for hospitality settings and other indoor public places.
A requirement for table service has been reintroduced for venues that serve alcohol for consumption on the premises.
And guidance has been issued to the effect that indoor hospitality and leisure venues should ensure 1m distance between different groups of customers. So one group – whether it is made up of one, two or three households – should be physically distanced from other such groups in the same venue.
Finally, unfortunately, nightclubs are now closed until 17 January, unless they have decided to remain open, without dancing, as hospitality premises – in which case they will follow the same rules and guidance as other hospitality venues.
All of these protections are important to help us deal with and reduce the impact of the public health challenge that Covid represents.
However, they also have a very significant impact on businesses.
Two weeks ago, I announced £100 million to support businesses affected by the advice to minimize contacts over the festive period. We have already detailed the allocation of that.
However, last week, I announced a further £275 million of support and I can give further detail today of how the first £100 million of that additional support is being allocated.
£16 million will be made available to support public transport providers through existing Covid support schemes.
£27 million will go to the culture sector, and a further £17 million to the events sector.
A further £32 million will be allocated to hospitality and leisure businesses, with an additional £10 million for those parts of the hospitality industry most severely impacted by the requirement for table service.
And up to £5 million will be allocated to nightclubs required to close.
We are also working closely with the sport sector. Sporting events are obviously affected by the limit on spectators, and also by cancellations due to Covid absences – however we also know that some of this impact will be alleviated by the rescheduling of events. So we want to make sure that the support we provide is effectively targeted and we will be confirming further details soon.
In total, we have now reached decisions on the allocation of £207 million of the £375 million being made available for business support.
And councils are now working to get that money into bank accounts as fast as possible.
Decisions on the allocation of the remaining funds will be confirmed following consultation with affected sectors on how it can best be targeted.
Presiding Officer
I know how difficult all of this for businesses.
And I wish it wasn’t necessary and I hope it isn’t necessary for long.
But there simply isn’t an easy tradeoff between protecting health and protecting the economy.
If Covid continues to spread rapidly, the economic impact in the form of staff absences and diminished consumer confidence will be severe and we’re already seeing those impacts.
So doing nothing won’t help business.
We must protect public health and the economy together – by slowing the speed at which Covid is spreading, while we complete the booster programme.
Presiding Officer
There are two further issues I want to touch on this afternoon.
I mentioned earlier the need to mitigate the impact of staff absences on the economy and critical services.
Now, obviously, the best way of doing this is by stemming transmission.
But we must also ensure the requirements for isolation are proportionate.
I indicated last week that we were weighing the risks and benefits of shortening the isolation period for index cases, and also potentially easing the requirement for all household contacts to isolate following a positive case.
These are finely balanced judgments and we are considering the current trends in infection carefully. However, I can confirm that we do hope to reach decisions in the next week with any changes taking effect from 5 January.
And we will keep Parliament updated.
In the meantime we have introduced a sectoral exemption scheme, subject to appropriate protections.
And I can confirm today a further change that will help ensure the exemption scheme – which is dependent on speedy turnaround of PCR tests – is effective.
The current surge in cases means testing capacity – sampling and processing capacity – is under pressure.
So we are now prioritising some slots for essential workers – such as NHS and transport staff – as well as for those who are clinically vulnerable or eligible for new Covid treatments.
And this ensures that essential workers get the test results they need to qualify for an exemption promptly.
This is a sensible step to take at this stage.
However, notwithstanding this priority for essential workers, let me stress that testing remains available for anyone who needs it.
If you try to book a test, and can’t find a slot available in a location you can get to, do try again later. Additional PCR test slots are released throughout the day.
Test & Protect is also, for now, focusing its telephone tracing on high risk settings, such as care homes.
The majority of us, if we test positive, will be contacted by text or e-mail, rather than by phone.
So if you are contacted by Test & Protect – either as a positive case or a close contact – please do respond and complete the online form, and make sure you follow all advice given.
The final point and the vital point indeed that I want to update on today is the progress of the vaccination programme.
Before I do so though, let me address this point. I’ve heard people ask in recent days what the purpose of booster vaccination is if we still have to restrict our activities for a period.
And I understand that question. But it is the answer that it is vital for all of us to understand.
Firstly, getting a booster doesn’t mean we won’t get Covid – though it will reduce the chances of that. But what it does do is significantly enhance our protection against serious illness. Getting boosted could quite literally save your life.
Because it doesn’t completely stop us getting or passing on the virus, those not fully vaccinated are still at significant risk. We won’t get the full benefit of the booster programme as a country until the maximum number of us are fully vaccinated. Which does mean that anyone choosing not to be vaccinated without good reason is acting irresponsibly. But the key point is this, until the programme is completed, and we are getting closer to that every day, we still need to slow down the spread.
In recent weeks there has been a huge increase in booster appointments and I want to put on record again my thanks to everyone involved in the delivery of the programme and to everyone coming forward to be boosted.
75% of those eligible for a booster or a third dose have now received one.
That represents excellent progress, but to deliver maximum benefits we need as many people as possible to get boosted as quickly as possible.
We want to get to – or close as possible to – the target of having 80% of eligible adults boosted by the bells.
Getting there depends on both capacity and demand.
Let me make it clear, we definitely have enough capacity now to meet that target.
What we need between now and the end of the week is high demand – eligible people who aren’t yet boosted to come forward now and get the jag.
High numbers of positive cases are making things more difficult – because if you get the virus, you can’t get the vaccine for a period afterwards.
So cancellation and do not attend rates have been creeping up this week as case numbers have risen.
But to everyone out there who isn’t yet boosted but could be – please book an appointment now or go to a drop in clinic.
If you have an appointment booked for January, please reschedule it for this week. There are plenty of slots available.
Please, please don’t delay. Every single booster jag administered now is a step on the road back to normality.
And remember if you haven’t had your first or second jag yet, it’s never too late for that either. Please make sure you get those now.
Presiding Officer, To draw my remarks to a conclusion, it’s an understatement to say that the situation we face now is not what any of us want.
And, I have to be clear, that the period immediately ahead will not be an easy one. That said I do hope that the clearer picture we will have in the next couple of weeks will also prove to be a much more positive picture.
And we can all help make it so.
So please, do get fully vaccinated.
Do it this week. The more of us who are boosted, the less severe the impact of Omicron will be and the sooner we will all return to normality.
Secondly, please test regularly.
The advice, if you are meeting other people, is to test before you go, every single time.
And take your test as close as possible, to the time you will be seeing other people. This is really important if you are planning to meet people from other households over Hogmanay. Although I would encourage you to please minimise that.
And finally, take all the other precautions which can help make a difference.
Work from home whenever possible.
Stay at home right now more than normal and reduce your contacts as much as possible – as I said even over Hogmanay.
If you do visit indoor public places, limit the number of households in your group to 3 at most.
Wear a face covering on public transport, in shops, and when moving around in hospitality. And make sure the covering fully covers your mouth and nose.
Keep windows open if you are meeting indoors. And follow all advice on hygiene.
Sticking to this is really hard.
But it does keep us safer and gives us the ability to slow down the spread of the virus as we complete the all-important booster programme.
Presiding Officer
This has – and this is another understatement – been another really difficult year. But despite these renewed challenges that we face now I do firmly believe – largely because of vaccination – that 2022 will be a better year. Let me conclude by thanking everyone again for all of the sacrifices made over this year and by wishing everyone a very happy new year when it comes.
Thank you Presiding Officer.
Daily reported Covid cases in the UK jumped to a record 183,037 on Wednesday.
Figures for festive period are the highest daily totals recorded in Scotland since the start of the pandemic
With just four days left to get ‘boosted by the bells’ all remaining over-18s are being urged to come along for their COVID-19 booster.
Latest published figures show 73.5% of eligible adults aged 18 and above in Scotland have now received their booster or third dose, giving them the best possible protection against coronavirus.
Health Secretary Humza Yousaf visited the vaccination centre at the Dewars Centre in Perth yesterday to thank staff for their ongoing efforts over the Christmas period, and encourage people to keep coming forward.
Mr Yousaf said: “Since the emergence of the Omicron variant there has been a monumental effort by everyone on Scotland’s vaccination programme to make sure we can deliver booster vaccines as quickly as possible. That’s because it is the single best way to protect people’s health, and the NHS.
“This week we are calling on everyone in the country to rally round and do their bit by coming forward for their booster dose.
“I know that many people will have some well-deserved time off at this time of year. And if you haven’t yet had your covid booster, there is bound to be a vaccination clinic or drop-in centre near to you. Please have a look on the online portal to book an appointment, or check your local NHS board’s social media channels to find out where the vaccine is being offered, so you can join the thousands of others who have been boosted by the bells.
“If you’ve yet to have your first or second dose, it still isn’t too late for that either. Our vaccination teams are waiting for you, so please come along. The sooner you have your first dose, the sooner you can then get your second, and then your booster, for the extra protection that gives.”
Provisional data released yesterday indicates an increasing number of COVID-19 cases. Figures for 25, 26 and 27 December are the highest daily totals recorded in Scotland since the start of the pandemic.
While the figures for each day covers tests reported in the preceding 24 hour period, the lag in reporting means that the majority of these cases will relate to tests done before the Christmas break. With the longer turnaround time for test results at the moment, the actual number of positive COVID-19 cases may be higher.
The figures are:
25 December 2021: 8,252 cases
26 December 2021: 11,030 cases
27 December 2021: 10,562 cases
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “While these figures are provisional, the steep increase in cases we have been expecting is now materialising, and this reflects the significantly increased transmissibility of Omicron.
“We would expect to see case numbers rise further in the days ahead – though it is worth bearing in mind that they are likely to have been even higher but for the compliance of the public with the guidance issued in the run up to Christmas.
“These figures underline how important it is that we don’t underestimate the impact of Omicron – even if the rate of hospitalisation associated with it is much lower than past strains of the virus, case numbers this high will still put an inevitable further strain on NHS.
“This level of infection will also cause a significant and severely disruptive level of sickness absence across the economy and critical services.
“So even though we are all thoroughly fed up with the impact of Covid on our lives, it is really important that over the new year period we follow guidance to help slow the spread of the virus while we complete the accelerated booster programmes.
“In addition to observing good hand hygiene and wearing face coverings, I am asking everyone to limit contacts as much as possible, to keep any essential indoor gatherings to a maximum of three households, and to get boosted by the bells.
“I know sticking to all of these measures is really hard – especially at this time of year – but there’s no doubt whatsoever it will help keep us safer.”
Temporary measures to limit the spread of the Omicron variant whilst the accelerated booster vaccination programme takes effect have come into force.
From 05:00 yesterday (26 December), attendance at large events has been limited to:
100 people for indoor standing events
200 people for indoor seated events
500 people for all outdoor events (seated or standing)
Taking effect from 05:00 this morning (27 December), one metre physical distancing has been reinstated in all hospitality and indoor leisure settings including pubs, restaurants, gyms, theatres and museums amongst others. Table service is also required in settings where alcohol is served for consumption on the premises.
Nightclubs are also to close for a period of at least three weeks from 27 December however they will have the option of remaining open if they operate with table service and physical distancing, in line with the requirements for other hospitality businesses.
All of the temporary measures are to be reviewed after three weeks on Tuesday 11 January.
The restrictions are backed by £375 million in business support with full details to be announced shortly, following discussions with business organisations and local authorities. Hospitality businesses are already eligible for top up funding through the December and January Business Top Up.
Further guidance has also been published to support businesses to take reasonable measures to limit the rapid spread of the Omicron variant.
Economy Secretary Kate Forbes said: “These temporary restrictions are targeted at reducing the spread of Omicron while the accelerated vaccination programme takes effect.
“I understand how difficult this has been for businesses in recent weeks but we must reduce our contacts and limit the spread of the virus. We’re providing £375 million in business support, which is a significant investment, to support those who have experienced cancellations and help them get back on their feet in the new year.
“The best way to support business sustainably, is to get the virus back under control. Please get your boosters and stay at home as much as possible just now.”
The total package of support available to businesses is £375 million, including the previous £100 million announced by the First Minister on 14 December 2021.
