Tag: Scottish Government

First Minister urges: ‘Limit socialising to three households’

Coronavirus (COVID-19) update: First Minister’s statement to Scottish Parliament – 14 December 2021

Thank you Presiding Officer, I will give a general update on COVID today, and share the latest information we have on the Omicron variant. I will also set out the further protective measures we consider necessary to help slow its spread while we accelerate the pace of booster vaccines.

Firstly, though, today’s overall statistics.

3,177 positive cases were reported yesterday – 11.3% of all tests carried out.

The number of PCR tests yesterday was actually slightly lower than in recent days, and I therefore want to appeal to people not to put off going for a PCR test if you have symptoms or a positive lateral flow. I know no-one wants to test positive or isolate at Christmas – but testing is a really vital part of our defence and there is no shortage of capacity. So, please do get tested.

541 people are in hospital with COVID – 20 fewer than yesterday.

But I can also confirm that we now know of two confirmed Omicron cases who are in hospital. Sequencing of other possible cases continues, and the actual total is likely to be higher.

38 people are in intensive care with COVID generally, which is one fewer than yesterday.

Sadly, a further six deaths have been reported, taking the total number of deaths under the daily definition to 9,725.

And I want again to send my condolences to everyone who has lost a loved one.

Presiding Officer

On Omicron specifically, our assessment is that it is spreading very rapidly.

The best indicator of this is the proportion of cases showing what is called the S Gene dropout.

For about 95% of all cases in Scotland, tests are currently processed in a way that allows us to know if the S gene is present or not.

This shows that Omicron cases are increasing exponentially – faster than any variant that has gone before.

When I made a statement to Parliament last week, around 4% of cases showed the S Gene drop out. By Wednesday it was 7%, on Friday it was above 15%.

Today, it is 27.5%

We estimate that the doubling time is two to three days – more rapid than anything experienced in the pandemic so far.

And we expect Omicron to become the dominant strain circulating in Scotland within days.

This matters because Omicron is significantly more transmissible than Delta.

The R number associated with Delta is around 1.

But the R number for Omicron appears to be well over 2 and it is possibly above 4.

Cases in Scotland in total have increased by a quarter in the past week.

They have risen in all age groups, except the over 85s. Omicron is already contributing to that increase.

But as it becomes the dominant strain, its much higher R number will also dominate, and that will drive a much steeper increase in cases.

That is why I warned on Friday that we are facing a likely tsunami of cases in the weeks ahead.

Now some are suggesting that Omicron may be milder in its impact on individual health than Delta.

Obviously, we all hope that is the case.

However, we don’t know it yet. Indeed, there is some initial evidence from Denmark that may suggest otherwise.

But even if it does prove to be milder, simple arithmetic means the challenge it poses will still be very significant.

Let me illustrate that.

In recent months, the proportion of Delta cases needing hospital care has been around 2%.

That means an average daily case number of around 2,700 – as has been the case in recent weeks – will result in around 400 hospital admissions a week.

But if cases rise significantly to, say, 10,000 a day because of Omicron’s greater transmissibility – and this is well within the modelled estimates in the evidence paper we published on Friday – then even if the hospitalization rate turned out to be half that of Delta’s at just 1%, we would see 700 hospital admissions a week.

The basic and very fact is this: a much more transmissible infection – even if milder in terms of severe illness – can still place a much bigger burden on the NHS.

More people infected will result in more severe illness and, tragically, more people will die.

A surging level of infection will also result in many more people being off work due to mild illness and isolation – so the impact on the economy and our ability to deliver critical services will also be severe. Indeed, we are starting to see these impacts already.

All of this explains why we must take Omicron extremely seriously. This is not a choice between protecting health and protecting the economy.

So let me turn to what, in the government’s judgment, we need to do now to mitigate this challenge.

In doing so, I ask everyone to think again in terms of a race between the virus and the vaccines.

Our vaccination programme is running fast – we are currently the most vaccinated part of the UK.

46% of the over 12 population have had booster jags already.

However, just as vaccines started to win this race, the virus learned to run faster.

That means we must deliver boosters even faster.

This is all the more important in light of early data telling us that the protection we have against Omicron infection with just one or two doses is significantly lower than it is for Delta – we need a booster jag to ensure a substantial level of protection against Omicron.

So we are taking steps now to get boosters into arms much faster.

Getting fully vaccinated is the best thing any of us can do to protect ourselves, our  loved ones, and the country. So please, book your booster jag as soon as possible.

Speeding up vaccination is essential and I want to assure the nation today that it is the government’s top priority.

I will shortly set out more detail on exactly how we are going about doing it.

But while this is necessary, our judgment is that in the short term it will not be sufficient.

While we are speeding up vaccination, we must also try to slow down Omicron.

That is why we are also proposing today, albeit very reluctantly, some further protective measures. I am appealing to everyone to follow today’s advice, to help slow Omicron down while more of us do get our boosters.

Let me clear, we do not do this lightly.

I know how hard it is.

Please believe me when I say I would not be asking for yet more sacrifice if I did not genuinely consider this to be necessary in the face of a threat that is very real.

So let me set out now what is being asked.

Firstly, we want to keep businesses open but to help achieve this we are asking them to step up the protections in place in their premises.

We intend to amend regulations to put a legal requirement on those running businesses or providing services to take measures which are reasonably practicable to minimise the risk of transmission.

We will issue guidance this week to make clear what that means for different sectors.

For example in retail, it will involve a return to the kind of protections in place at the start of the pandemic – for example measures to avoid crowding and bottlenecks.

This will include physical distancing, measures to control the flow of customers and protective screens.

For hospitality, it will mean, for example, measures to avoid crowding at bars and between tables, and a reminder of the requirement to collect contact details of customers to help with contact tracing.

For employers more generally, the guidance will make clear that enabling staff who were working from home at the start of the pandemic to do so again is now a legal duty.

I am hugely grateful to employers who are already allowing staff to work at home where possible, but we are not yet maximizing the impact of home working to reduce the overall number of contacts we are having.

We recognise of course that there are people who cannot work from home – for example those who work in manufacturing, hospitality and key public services.

We are asking anyone in this position to test regularly before going to work.

We have extended the workplace testing scheme, which delivers lateral flow kits twice a week to all businesses who have signed up to it. I would encourage, urge indeed, any business with 10 or more employees to join up, and encourage staff to test regularly.

We will also be reinforcing the rules and public health messaging on the importance of wearing face coverings, and wearing them properly.

Presiding Officer, My hardest request today is of the general public.

I want to be clear, I am not asking anyone to ‘cancel’ Christmas – but in the run-up to and in the immediate aftermath of Christmas, I am asking everyone to reduce as far as possible, and to a minimum, the contacts we have with people in other households. I will say more about Christmas Day in a moment.

We are not banning or restricting household mixing in law as before. We understand the negative impact this has on mental health and wellbeing.

But we are asking everyone – and we will issue strong guidance to this effect – to cut down as far as possible the number of people outside our own households that we are interacting with just now.

This will help break transmission chains.

So my key request today is this – before and immediately after Christmas, please minimise your social mixing with other households as much as you can.

However, if you do plan on socialising – either at home or in indoor public places – we are asking that you limit the number of households represented in your group to a maximum of three. And make sure you test before you go.

I know this is a tough thing to ask people to do, especially at this time of year. So I want to be clear why we are making this request.

One of the things we have already learned about Omicron is that it has a very high attack rate.

That means if just one person in a gathering is infectious, that person is likely to infect many more people in the group than is the case with the Delta variant.

So by reducing the numbers of people and households gathering together, we help limit the extent of its spread.

Turning to Christmas Day specifically – or Christmas Eve or Boxing Day or whenever you have your main family celebration – we are not asking you to cancel or change your plans, and we are not proposing limits on the size of household gatherings.

Places of worship will also remain open, with appropriate mitigations.

But we will issue guidance to help you make Christmas safer.

Reducing your contacts in advance of and after Christmas as I have just strongly advised will help do this.

Keeping your celebrations as small as your family circumstances allow is sensible too.

Make sure everyone in your gathering is vaccinated and has done a test in advance.

Keep rooms ventilated and follow strict hygiene rules.

Presiding Officer, I know how much I am asking of everyone today, after a difficult and painful two years.

I would not be doing so if I did not believe it to be absolutely necessary.

Indeed, it could be argued that we should be going further – which is why I need to also explain a significant limitation on our ability to act in the way we think necessary to protect public health.

In this context, I am not seeking to make a political point – simply to set out the factual position.

Many of the protections that help curtail COVID come at a financial cost to individuals and businesses – so wherever we can, we put in place financial packages to protect people’s health, jobs and livelihoods.

However, the Scottish, Welsh and Northern Ireland governments do not have the ability to borrow to meet the COVID funding challenge.

UK funding arrangements mean we rely on the Treasury to do so on our behalf. And the Treasury has responded well throughout this pandemic.

And although Scottish taxpayers foot our share of the bill, money only flows to the devolved governments when the UK government makes decisions.

Financial support is not triggered if the devolved governments take decisions we consider appropriate for public health reasons – even though it is our responsibility to do so.

So because the UK government is at this stage not proposing any further protections – a position I do not agree with – there is no funding generated to compensate businesses for any protections we think are necessary and wish to put in place. (NOTE: SEE BELOW – Ed.)

That is not acceptable in current circumstances and, with the Welsh and Northern Irish governments, we are pressing for a fairer approach that takes account of our devolved responsibilities for protecting public health.

But for now, this is the situation we are in, and it means our public health response is curtailed by lack of finance.

There are further steps we could and would have considered today – particularly around hospitality – had we the financial ability to do so. But we don’t.

However, I can confirm that with some considerable difficulty, we have managed to identify within our own resources around £100 million that we will use to help businesses, mainly those in hospitality and food supply, and in the culture sector, affected by our advice last week on work Xmas parties and further affected by what I have said today.

The Finance Secretary and her officials will be engaging with affected sectors immediately to consult on and confirm the details of support.

We will work to make money available as soon as possible. Businesses who previously received support through the Strategic Framework Business Fund will be contacted directly. 

We have also identified an additional £100 million to ensure the Self Isolation Support Grant is available for those who need it, given the expected increase in the number of eligible people who will be asked to isolate.

Making this money available will involve difficult reprioritisation – but we recognise the importance of providing as much help as we possibly can.

However, this is the limit of what we are able to do within our own resources. I know it does not go far enough in compensating businesses for what we are asking of them now – and, of course, no government can rule out having to go further in the weeks ahead. So we are continuing to press the UK government to increase support to enable us to respond adequately to the public health challenge in the weeks ahead.

Presiding Officer, I will turn now to our actions to speed up delivery of booster vaccinations.

Anyone aged between 40 and 60 who hasn’t already booked an appointment, has now received an invitation to do so.

In addition, since yesterday, all 30 to 39 year olds have been able to book their booster jags online.

And I can confirm today that 18 to 29 year olds will be able to book online from tomorrow.

Our aim is that by 31 December everyone over 18 will have been able to book a booster appointment.

It is not possible to guarantee that absolutely everyone over 18 will have been vaccinated by 31 December. For a variety of reasons, some appointments will run into the new year.

For example, some people will not be eligible by the end of December because it will still be less than 12 weeks since their second dose. Some people have not yet come forward for a first or second dose and despite our best efforts, some will not come forward to book a booster either.

In addition, despite the strenuous work underway, we know that some capacity challenges between now and the end of the year are inevitable – for example, vaccinator staff absences due to COVID.

However, notwithstanding all of that, we are aiming to reach as close as possible to 80% uptake by the end of December, with the balance of appointments taking place in January.

I do not underestimate the challenge of this. Vaccination teams are already making a herculean effort and we are asking a great deal of them.

In addition, reaching that level of uptake depends on people continuing to come forward to get jags even over the holiday period.

So, this will not be easy – we know that – but we are working on the basis that the higher we aim, the further we will get.

Let me now therefore set out the steps we are taking to create the additional capacity needed.

Firstly, given its vital importance against Omicron, we will prioritise the COVID booster programme over the remainder of the flu vaccination programme for the next few weeks. This will allow many more booster appointments to be made available.

Let me stress, though – and this has informed our clinical advice – that for those in the highest risk groups for flu uptake of the vaccine this year is already high – for over 65 year olds, it is 88%, which is higher than last year.

Secondly, and in line with advice from the UK Chief Medical Officers, the requirement for people to wait in a vaccine centre for 15 minutes after they receive an mRNA vaccine is being removed. This will speed up vaccination times and enable many more appointments.

Thirdly, health boards are working to offer additional drop-in capacity within local centres.

Additional venues for vaccination are also being identified. This will include mass vaccination centres in areas where this is considered appropriate.

In terms of human resources, we plan to extend the number and role of volunteers, to ensure that clinical staff can spend as much time as possible supporting the administration of vaccines. 

We will continue to expand the size of the overall vaccination workforce as much as possible and make full use of any military support that is available.

We will, of course Presiding Officer, keep parliament updated on the delivery of these plans.

However, at this stage, I want to again thank everyone working so hard to design and deliver the biggest and most important logistical project in our peacetime history.

Let me also stress that, while the focus of my statement today is on boosters, if you haven’t had your first dose yet, please do book it now. It is more important than ever to do so.

In the new year, we will also complete second doses for 12 to 17 year olds.

And I hope, very much hope, that we might also, soon, get regulatory approval to offer vaccination to under 12s.

Presiding Officer, Before I close today, there are some further issues that I want to highlight.

Firstly, let me reiterate the changed advice on self isolation. For now, household contacts of a person who tests positive for COVID, are being advised to self-isolate for 10 days. This advice applies to everyone in a household regardless of age, vaccination status or PCR test result.

Businesses and organisations providing vital services can apply for an exemption to allow essential workers to return to work, subject to them being symptom free and taking certain precautions, including daily lateral flow tests.

Second, beyond this advice, we are not recommending that entire school classes are required to isolate when a pupil tests positive. The advice on school isolation will continue to be risk-based.

More generally, a key aim is to ensure that schools stay open if at all possible to minimise further disruption to education.

However, it is vital that schools are safe for pupils and staff.

To help achieve this, we continue to ask secondary school pupils and all staff to take lateral flow tests regularly – including during holidays and before returning after the break – and to wear face coverings.

In addition the Advisory Subgroup on Education is meeting today to provide further advice on how schools can operate safely in the new year. We will send this advice to schools by the end of this week.

Thirdly, we will continue to consider appropriate protective measures for people in institutional settings – such as care homes – while ensuring that visits can continue.

Last week we recommended that care staff take lateral flow tests on a daily basis.

We are also now recommending that individual visits in care homes should not involve any more than two households visiting any patient at a time. And we are asking anyone visiting a care home to test before every visit.

For hospitals, we are recommending that no more than two people visit a patient at any one time. And again, we are recommending a lateral flow test before each visit.

Finally Presiding Officer, I fully understand that Omicron will be especially concerning to people on the Highest Risk List. I therefore want to give an assarance to all of you that the Chief Medical Officer will be writing to all of you shortly with further advice and assurance.

Presiding Officer,It is an understatement to say this is not the update I wanted to be giving just a few days before Christmas.

And I am painfully aware that it’s not an update anyone wanted to hear.

However, we have a duty to take decisions – no matter how difficult or unpopular – that will get us through this as safely as possible.

I will not shy away from that responsibility.

The fact that I am asking for further sacrifice today underlines how severe we think the risk posed by Omicron might be.

So please do follow the advice I have set out today.

And while this is, without doubt, a very difficult juncture in the course of the pandemic, please remember that vaccination does still put us in a better position than last year.

Also, hard and wearying though this is, we are not powerless in the face of the virus.

We know the steps we can take to slow it down.

So I will stress again what we need to do:

Firstly, please get fully vaccinated as soon as possible.

Secondly, please test regularly.

If you are going to meet other people – and our advice, remember, is to minimise this as much as possible – take a lateral flow test before you go, every time.

The tests are easy to take and, despite an issue with online ordering yesterday, they are easy to get hold of. Tests can be collected from local pharmacies and testing centres without a booking, and the online portal is open again today.

Wear face coverings on public transport, in shops, and when moving about in hospitality settings. And make sure your face covering fully covers your mouth and nose.

Keep windows open if meeting people indoors – even at this time of year.

Follow all advice on hygiene.

Work from home whenever possible – this will soon become a requirement anchored in law.

And please follow the new advice I have outlined today.

Although it is guidance, please do not think of it as optional.

Cut down unnecessary contacts as much as possible. In the run up to and immediately after Christmas, please avoid socialising with people in other households as much as you can.

If you are socialising indoors at home or in public places, limit the number of households represented in your group to a maximum of three. And test before you go.

And please follow the advice we will give to keep Christmas Day as normal but as safe as possible.

We do face an extremely difficult period ahead – I cannot tell you otherwise. But I know we will get through it more safely, if we do right by each other, as we have done all along.

So please – get vaccinated, test regularly, and follow all the other rules and guidance that are in place for our own protection.

Let’s pull together again, and let’s help each other through.

BREAKING NEWS:

HM Treasury has announced that additional funding from the UK reserve will be made available to the governments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to progress their vaccine rollout and wider health response.

The news was announced while First Minister Nicola Sturgeon was addressing MSPs at Holyrood this afternoon.

A cleaner Scotland: Views sought on litter and fly-tipping strategy

Fines for flytipping could be more than doubled as part of proposals being consulted on. 

The consultation on a new National Litter and Flytipping Strategy proposes a range of measures to prevent litter and flytipping, improve data and strengthen enforcement.

This includes raising fines for flytipping from £200 to £500 – the maximum permitted by current legislation. The consultation also asks if they should be raised beyond this cap.

The introduction of a sustained national behaviour change campaign is also being proposed, aimed at breaking the cycle of littering and flytipping. This would be supported by new research, looking at why people continue to litter.

Launching the consultation, Circular Economy Minister Lorna Slater said: “We want a Scotland that is free of the blight of litter and flytipping. That’s why we’re asking for views on a bold set of measures that could help make our streets, parks and public spaces free of rubbish.

“Litter and flytipping are not just a blight on local communities – they also cost millions of pounds every year in clean-up costs. We need to send a clear message that this behaviour will not be tolerated.

“We also need to understand why anti-litter measures are still not reaching some people. To address that, we are proposing not just a one off campaign, but a sustained push, backed by new research into why people litter.

“We also want to make better use of data to clamp down on illegal dumping. By understanding more about where and when flytipping takes place, we can be more effective in targeting interventions to stop it.”

Proposals include the increased and improved use of data to locate and target litter and flytipping hotspots. The creation of a national flytipping forum, chaired by the Circular Economy Minister, will also bring together key stakeholders in Scotland to discuss how to implement the new strategy and share best practice and insights relating to tackling flytipping. 

Chief Executive Officer of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), Terry A’Hearn, said: “Fly-tipping is not only immoral, it is illegal and waste crime poses a risk not only to human health and the environment, but also to urban and rural businesses, and communities.

“Waste dumped illegally in laybys, rural locations or holes in the ground, instead of being disposed of in the correct manner, means criminals are avoiding having to pay the costs a legal operator has to pay.

“Tackling waste crime is a priority for SEPA, and the information collected from this consultation could mean better sharing and co-ordination of flytipping data between us and partners, helping us manage our responses better.”

Chief Executive Officer of Zero Waste Scotland, Iain Gulland, said: “Litter and flytipping are illegal, dangerous, and entirely avoidable. In fact, half of all litter could have been recycled.

“The impact is more than the staggering clean-up costs – recklessly dumping items is damaging to our wildlife and communities. But despite tremendous efforts, it’s still a national issue.

“To tackle it, we need new ideas, new approaches and new collaborations, which is why Zero Waste Scotland implores everyone to take part in this public consultation.”

The consultation runs until 31 March 2022. 

COVID-19 cases caught early by Lateral Flow Device tests

Thousands of COVID-19 cases have been detected by the Asymptomatic Testing Programme, a Scottish Government evaluation has found.

More than 6.6 million LFD results reported by Scots were considered in the Asymptomatic Testing Programme Evaluation which looked at nine testing pathways including community testing, early learning and childcare settings and the Health and Social Care workforce.

The number of positive cases identified by LFD testing, then confirmed by PCR, was 7,271, according to the study which looked at the period between November last year and June 2021.

The data shows widespread uptake of testing among the general population through the pathways, including the universal offer.

https://youtu.be/Q92_ZJRWqiI

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “Scotland’s Testing Strategy  is a key part of our approach to controlling the Covid-19 pandemic and minimising transmission.

“This report shows the importance of regular asymptomatic testing in capturing cases of the Covid-19 often before symptoms emerge. These would otherwise go undetected or be found much later in the virus progression, once symptoms had developed.

“As we go into this holiday period, frequent testing with lateral flow devices is essential and I would urge people to make sure they report the results – whether positive, negative or void – which only takes a few minutes.

“Everyone should do a lateral flow test before mixing with people from other households. That means before going to a pub, to a restaurant, visiting someone’s house, or even going shopping.”

Prime Minister call for volunteers to support National Booster Effort

  • UK Government and NHS announce ambition to recruit tens of thousands of volunteers to help get jabs into arms
  • All eligible adults will be offered the chance to get their jab before the New Year
  • PM: “We need you to come forward again, to work alongside our brilliant GPs, doctors, nurses and pharmacists, to deliver jabs and save lives.”

Prime Minister Boris Johnson and NHS Chief Executive Amanda Pritchard have joined forces to issue a rallying cry for thousands of volunteers to come forward and support the NHS booster campaign.

The public will be urged to play a crucial role in the UK’s fight against Omicron by helping the NHS to get as many jabs into arms as quickly as possible. No task will be too small to contribute towards this national effort.

Yesterday the Prime Minister announced a new ambition for every eligible adult to have the chance to get their jab by the end of the year.

This follows new evidence that suggest the Omicron variant is extremely transmissible and two jabs are not enough to protect against infection.

The new target means the NHS will be massively ramping up its vaccine operations in the next few days, and it needs as many people as possible to play their part by volunteering their time to help.

Urging volunteers to sign up to the booster drive, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “As part of our Get Boosted Now vaccination drive we need to increase our jabbing capacity to unprecedented levels.

“But to achieve something on this scale, we need your help. So today I’m issuing a call for volunteers to join our national mission to get jabs in arms.

“We need tens of thousands of people to help out – everyone from trained vaccinators to stewards.

“Many thousands have already given their time – but we need you to come forward again, to work alongside our brilliant GPs, doctors, nurses and pharmacists, to deliver jabs and save lives.

“So please come forward if you can.”

There are now almost 3,000 vaccine sites across the country, staffed by over 90,000 volunteers who have given up 1.1 million hours of time so far.

In the next week hundreds more sites, mobile units and pop ups will be springing up across the country. These will be in a range of locations that will make it as easy as possible for people to get boosted – such as at football stadia, shopping centres and racecourses.

This means volunteers are needed to perform tasks such as registering patients, managing queues and giving jabs.

Last week the NHS announced a recruitment drive for 10,000 paid vaccinators and support staff and that it will also work with the Royal Voluntary Service and St. John Ambulance to recruit a further 40,000 volunteers for roles such as admin and stewarding queues.

In the last week, 13,000 people have come forward as steward volunteers, and a further 4,500 people have registered their interest to take up one of the 10,000 paid vaccinator roles. The government and NHS now want to go even further.

NHS England Chief Executive Amanda Pritchard said: “In the face of the grave threat posed by the new Omicron strain of Covid, the NHS is seeking to offer vaccine booster protection to all eligible adults by the end of the month, a new national mission in which everyone can play their part.

“There is no doubt that our incredible NHS staff will rise to the challenge but we cannot do this alone – we need the support of the public and volunteers to once again support the Covid vaccination programme.

“Since we first issued a call to arms we have had an outstanding response but Omicron has shifted the goalposts and we are now renewing our plea to the nation – I would urge anyone who has volunteered in the past, or considered it but not taken up the opportunity, to come forward now – search ‘NHS vaccine team’ today and find out more about how you can help us save lives.”

Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said: “To help us turbocharge our COVID-19 booster programme we need people across the country to join our national mission to get boosted now.

“We are so grateful to the volunteer vaccinators from organisations such as St John Ambulance and Royal Voluntary Service who have made an enormous contribution by administering millions of vaccinations since the start of this year.”

People interested in either a voluntary or paid role are urged to visit the Join Vaccine Team page or search ‘NHS vaccine team’. People who volunteered or were trained for paid roles previously are also being contacted to help out again.

Scotland’s First Minister will make a statement on the situation in Scotland this afternoon. It’s expected that restrictions will be strengthened here as Omicron variant cases continue to rise sharply across the UK.

Armed forces step up to support vaccination drive across UK

750 Armed Forces personnel have been made available to support the NHS, the Department of Health and Social Care and Scottish Government to accelerate the vaccine booster programme.

Over 100 personnel are currently supporting the vaccine rollout in Scotland. 600 Armed Forces personnel have been made available to NHS England to administer vaccines, working in small teams across the country.

In addition, around 50 personnel will provide planning support to NHS England. 41 planners will deploy to NHS trusts across England and 10 logistics experts will be based at NHS England’s headquarters in London.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: “We have rapidly mobilised Service personnel to work alongside our dedicated health services to accelerate the vaccine booster programme.

“Our Armed Forces will help to get vaccines into arms as quickly as possible as we continue our efforts to support the UK’s response to the pandemic.”

Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said: “We are turbocharging our COVID-19 booster programme to offer every adult in England a vaccine by the end of the year to protect people from the Omicron variant.

“Building our defences through boosters is a hugely important national mission and it’s brilliant to see the military supporting our NHS staff in our race against the virus.

“Please get boosted now to top-up your immunity and keep yourself and your loved ones safe this winter.”

Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin said: “I’m proud of our Armed Forces who are once again stepping up to help protect people and communities.

“We have a long history of working hand in hand with the NHS as two organisations with a common goal – to help keep our people safe.”

Planners based at NHS England headquarters will be led by Brigadier Phil Prosser who was previously deployed to support the delivery of the vaccine programme which began in December 2020. They will work alongside NHS England to maximise existing capacity and ensure the vaccine programme can be delivered at pace.

Since March 2020, Defence has supported over 430 tasks as part of Operation Rescript – Defence’s support to the UK’s response to the pandemic.

Defence is currently supporting ambulance services in Wales and Scotland and the vaccine rollout in Scotland among other tasks including testing.

Support is being provided through the Military Aid to the Civil Authorities (MACA) process.

Personnel supporting on Operation Rescript tasks have deployed from across the three services – Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force – and are a mixture of regulars and reservists.

A Budget to support a greener Scotland

Scotland’s Budget will deliver record levels of investment in tackling the climate emergency – helping to protect and restore the natural environment, and slash emissions from homes, industries and transport.

The 2022-23 budget provides more than £2 billion for measures that will accelerate a just transition to  a Scotland which leads the way in ending climate change.

This includes:

  • £53 million to protect and restore the natural environment, including peatlands, and a further £69.5 million to create and sustain woodlands;
  • £336 million invested in energy efficiency and low carbon and renewable heat to deliver warmer, greener homes. This includes £160 million to support those least able to pay for home energy improvements, helping to cut emissions while tackling a major driver of fuel poverty and creating jobs across the country;
  • Investment of £53 million for the energy transition and industrial decarbonisation projects;
  • The first £20 million allocation of the Just Transition Fund for the North East and Moray will be made – with impacted workers playing a key role in deciding how the funds are spent;
  • Almost £1.4 billion will be spent to maintain, improve and decarbonise Scotland’s rail network. Free bus travel for young people will receive £110 million, and £150 million will be invested in active travel, such as walking and cycling. This will support efforts to cut car kilometres by 20% by 2030.

Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy and Transport Michael Matheson said: “We are playing our part in tackling the global climate emergency head on. This budget carries forward the momentum created by COP26, with record investment in transforming Scotland into a net zero, climate resilient nation.

“We are prioritising investment in the natural environment, including our vital woodlands and peatlands. This is not just good for the planet, it will also support local jobs in the rural economy.

“We are also taking action to make our homes warmer and greener to help reduce emissions, while tackling fuel poverty and creating green jobs.

“The transition to net zero has to be made in a way that is fair and just, with no one left behind. Our Just Transition Fund will give communities impacted by the transition a real say in their future, and create new economic opportunities in which they can thrive.

“We have set a challenge of reducing the number of kilometres travelled by car in Scotland by 20% by 2030. Achieving this will require a big modal shift in how people travel and a greener, decarbonised public transport network as an attractive alternative.

“That’s why we are prioritising transport spending on public transport and active travel. By investing almost £1.4 billion in 2022-23 to maintain, improve and decarbonise Scotland’s rail network and providing record investment for walking, wheeling and cycling of £150 million next year.

“Bus services and users will benefit from £414 million, which includes £110 million for free concessionary bus travel for young people aged under 22, helping to establish and embed positive sustainable travel habits among our younger generations.”

Vaccine boosters available to over 30s from today

Advance booking facility opened up to 30 – 39 year olds

All 30-39 year olds will be able to book their appointment for a COVID-19 vaccine booster from today (Monday) through the NHS Inform website.

Appointments must be booked at least 12 weeks after a second dose however anyone with a confirmed case of the virus since receiving a vaccine should wait four weeks from testing positive to receive their booster.

The online portal will be extended to enable 18-29 year olds to book booster vaccinations later in the week.

The portal is already open to Health and Social Care Workers, the 40-59 age groups, unpaid carers who are 16 and over and those aged 16 and over who are household contacts of immunosuppressed individuals and will continue to be available to these groups.

Anyone in earlier groups who missed their vaccination can book an appointment by calling the National Helpline on 0800 030 8013 which is open from 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week.

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “Scotland already has the highest vaccination rate of all UK nations for first, second and third doses and we will continue to follow clinical advice from the JCVI on offering booster jags through age cohorts in descending order to ensure maximum benefit.

“We are working with Health Boards to maximise vaccination capacity and we’ll explore all options to accelerate the vaccination programme as quickly and safely as we possibly can.

“One of the most important things we can all do to protect ourselves and others from COVID-19 is to get our vaccinations and boosters when eligible. The vaccines we have are highly effective and safe and I urge anyone who is eligible and not yet vaccinated to book an appointment.

“The emergence of the Omicron variant means it is also particularly important that we continue to take all precautions to prevent transmission. So test regularly for the virus, particularly before socialising and meeting up with others from outside your household, wear face marks where required and open windows to improve ventilation.”

Omicron variant: Social care staff urged to get Covid booster

Support available to ensure care workers can get vaccines and boosters

Care home staff and those working in social care are being urged to get the booster vaccine in the fight against the spread of Omicron variant.

Scottish Government financial support is available for adult care providers who incur additional costs if employees are vaccinated in working time – so staff can do so without losing earnings or having to take annual leave.

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf thanked staff for their efforts but said the new Omicron variant of COVID-19 made it more important than ever that care workers get their COVID-19 booster vaccinations, test themselves regularly and maintain infection prevention measures.

Rates of uptake of the booster vaccine are currently lower among social care staff, with 47.7% of frontline social care workers and 54.8% of care home staff having had their booster, than they are in other sectors such as frontline healthcare workers (72%).

Mr Yousaf said: “I want to thank everyone working in social care who has taken up the offer of vaccination, and has had a booster jag. But I want to encourage every single social care worker to get themselves vaccinated.

“Even if you’ve been double-vaccinated, we know your immunity against COVID-19 wanes over time. Getting your booster is even more important with the emergence of the Omicron variant. Please do so as soon as possible.

“I’m very grateful to all our social care workers for their continued resilience and ongoing commitment during what I know continues to be a very difficult time. I know staff are likely to be feeling particularly fatigued after more than 20 months of the pandemic and I want to thank you all for supporting each other and working together as we continue to navigate through this.

“However we know that the rate of take up among those working in care homes and social care is not as high as in other sectors. It is crucial, especially for those working with some of our most vulnerable citizens, that you get your booster if you have not already done so.

“Getting vaccinated is vital in protecting you, those you care for, and your friends and family.”

An online booking portal for health and social care workers can be accessed at: www.nhsinform.scot/campaigns/vaccinations-for-health-and-social-care-workers

COSLA: Budget ‘barely allows local government to survive’

Following a full meeting of Council Leaders yesterday (Friday) COSLA said it cannot accept  the essential services provided by Scottish Local Government being once again overlooked by the Scottish Government in yesterday’s budget announcement.

COSLA described the budget as a bad deal for communities and warned that serious financial challenges in key service areas lay ahead for Scotland’s Councils.

Speaking this afternoon COSLA’s Resources Spokesperson Councillor Gail Macgregor said:  “My initial feeling is one of real disappointment for our communities.  Once again Local Government has been treated as the poor relation of the public sector.

“This settlement represents £100m cut to our core Settlement, before any other pressures such as National Insurance costs,  pay or inflation are taken into account.

“We wanted a Budget for Local Government that enables people to Live Well Locally – what we have is a budget that barely allows Local Government to survive.

“We are left in a position where we do not have adequate funding to provide our range of essential services and support recovery from COVID.

“Many essential services provided by Scottish Local Government are in a fairly precarious position as a result of cuts to Councils’ core budgets and direction on spend towards Scottish Government priorities over the last few years.”

Councillor Macgregor continued:  “In terms of Council Tax- whilst we welcome the removal of the cap and the recognition that this is a local tax that should be decided locally – we cannot put the burden of a poor settlement onto hard pressed families.  That is simply not fair.“

Council Leaders were unanimous today that we need to work together, with one Local Government voice, to raise our concerns at the highest level of Scottish Government.

COSLA President Councillor Alison Evison said that it was beyond frustrating that Local Government’s ambition to enable people to Live Well Locally has been totally disregarded.

Councillor Evison added:  “Whichever way you look at it, the reality of the situation is that yet again the essential services Councils deliver have been overlooked by the Scottish Government. There is no recognition that these very services are the bedrock for additional policies and priorities which the Scottish Government wants councils to provide.

“It is beyond frustrating that the importance of Local Government’s role in enabling Communities to Live Well Locally across Scotland, has not been reflected in the Budget announcement.

“The Scottish Government has to realise that cuts to our core budget hit the most vulnerable in our communities the hardest and are damaging to our workforce.  That is why Council Leaders were unanimous today that we must fight for a fairer settlement.

“The consequences of us not doing this would be disastrous for our communities and workforce.

“It adds insult to injury the fact that the NHS in Scotland has been compensated for the increase in their National Insurance costs whilst we haven’t.  So unlike Councils in England who have also been compensated for these our costs will once again have to be taken from frontline services.”

Appeal for more vaccinators

Jason Leitch rolls up his sleeeves

Scotland’s National Clinical Director Jason Leitch is becoming a vaccinator and is encouraging more people to enrol to help accelerate the national booster jab programme.

Since 19 November, the equivalent of 300 full-time additional staff (more than 1000 individuals) have joined the national vaccination effort and health boards are actively recruiting to create extra capacity.

Following the most recent advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) everyone aged 18 and over who is eligible will be offered a slot for the booster jab by the end of January. Currently those aged 40-49 are invited to make an appointment through the online portal or the national helpline, from 12 weeks after their second dose. The national programme is also delivering second doses to 16 and 17 years olds.

Professor Leitch said: “I am pleased to join the fantastic team at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and look forward to helping administer booster jabs to adults and second doses to 16 and 17 years olds as we continue to protect Scotland’s population as quickly as possible.

“To be a small part of this national mission is a real privilege. It also gives me the opportunity to thank the clinical teams and volunteers who have got us this far.

“This has been the biggest immunisation programme in the history of the NHS and the hard work and commitment shown by health boards and vaccination teams across Scotland means we have the highest vaccination rate for people aged 12 and over of all UK nations for first, second and boosters/third doses and the winter vaccination programme has already delivered more than 2 million booster and third doses to the most vulnerable groups, covering 45% of the adult population (aged 18+).

However, we would warmly welcome any former NHS employees and of course, they will receive full training before giving any vaccines. I’ll be helping when I can alongside my main role.

“Even a shift a week will help, so if you’re a dentist, a nurse, an optometrist or a doctor and you can help us then please contact your local health board. Every vaccine dose given is another step out of the pandemic. If you don’t have a clinical background, it’s not a problem, you can still assist the programme in another capacity through the British Red Cross.

“We have accepted the JCVI’s updated recommendations and aim to offer the booster vaccine to everyone aged 18 or older who is eligible by the end of January, and we would love some more vaccinators to join our incredibly national programme to assist us through this particularly busy period.”

Vaccination Programme Director at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Anne Harkness said: “In the last year, our vaccination team at NHSGGC have administered more than 2.1 million jags, working with the public to protect our communities.

“We are continuing to build our pool of vaccinators and we are delighted to welcome Jason to the vaccination team and wish him – and all the new recruits – well.”

People who wish to apply to become a vaccinator can find more information at NHS Scotland

Volunteers who are not currently involved in COVID response, or other critical work, who would be interested in assisting the COVID response generally and the vaccine programme in particular, can find out more by emailing:

Covid_19ResponseScotland@redcross.org.uk

A ‘bold and ambitious’ Budget?

Spending plans to ‘set Scotland on a new path’

The 2022-2023 Scottish Budget will help transition Scotland to becoming more prosperous, fairer and greener, Finance Secretary Kate Forbes has said.

Speaking ahead of delivering the Budget to Parliament today, Ms Forbes said the Scottish Government will deliver a bold and ambitious package of public investment that delivers on the priorities which matter most to the people of Scotland.  

Ms Forbes said: “The Scottish Budget will provide taxpayers with stability and support, set out clearly how we will accelerate our Covid recovery, and crucially, how our spending plans will set Scotland on a new ambitious path.

“It has been a challenging Budget due to the continuing impact of the pandemic, and the uncertainty and worry that Covid poses for us all. This has been confounded by the UK Government’s decision to remove necessary Covid consequential funding at a time when we undeniably need to help our public services.

“The Scottish Government has taken spending decisions that prioritise supporting people and our vital public services through the twin crises of Covid and the cost of living. It is a budget for Scotland’s future – one that will help us secure a fairer, greener and more prosperous country.”

Responding to the Scottish Budget, Tracy Black, CBI Scotland Director, said: “While the Finance Secretary has outlined some helpful interventions for business, firms that have been working tirelessly to get back on their feet after two miserable years will be left with little to get excited about.

“The removal of the business rates cliff edge in April for hospitality, retail and tourism firms will be welcomed, however many will be disappointed that the government hasn’t gone further – particularly as uncertainty around Omicron gathers pace.

“Increased funding for employability is clearly a step in the right direction but much more detail is needed on how skills funding will help firms address immediate challenges. Ultimately, greater ambition is needed on upskilling and retraining if we’re to ensure workers are equipped with the skills they need for a modern economy.

“On green investment there were some welcome announcements around green jobs and just transition. However, failing to use the non-domestic rates system to incentivise private sector investment in low carbon infrastructure feels like a missed opportunity that could have helped Scotland push-on towards its net zero target.

“Overall, business shares the Scottish Government’s vision for a fairer, greener and more prosperous economy. Firms will be keen to see how the forthcoming National Economic Transformation Strategy turns ambition into action; setting Scotland on a path towards competitiveness, dynamism and productivity growth – which is the only sustainable route to higher living standards.”

Scottish workers bitterly disappointed by pay deal as STUC insists ‘budget will result in robbing Peter to pay Paul’

The Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) acknowledged the increase in public sector pay floor to £10.50 and insisted that pay rises must be fully funded by Scottish Government to avoid cash strapped councils having to make other cuts to pay the increased rate.

STUC General Secretary Roz Foyer said: “Workers across Scotland will be bitterly disappointed as they hear about the pay cuts announced today. Below inflation pay increases do nothing to help people deal with escalating costs this winter. Councils will have to rob Peter to pay Paul as services could be cut to meet the gaps in funding.

“There is a desperate need to back our public services. Huge gaps in funding in the NHS and social care have left some of the most vulnerable people in our communities without the treatment and services they urgently need. The Scottish Government have failed to take the opportunity before them to step up and back public sector workers.”

COSLA released its ‘Budget Reality’ document last night in response to the Scottish Budget.

COSLA’s Resources Spokesperson Councillor Gail Macgregor said that COSLA Leaders will meet today to discuss the implications for Local Government and respond more fully then.

In a brief statement Councillor Macgregor, said: “Our ‘Budget Reality’ document is important as it sets out the facts about the Local Government Settlement.

“It appears to be a disappointing budget for the communities that we represent, as it does not give Local Government what we need to survive and nor does it meet our campaign aspiration to help those communities to ‘Live Well Locally’,

“Once more, our core financial settlement has been hit.

“That said, we will take time to consider the finer details of today’s announcement and the full implications for both ourselves and our communities.

“As a membership organisation, our Council Leaders will come together virtually tomorrow to consider the implications, before we make a more formal response following that meeting.”

The document can be viewed here.

Responding to the Scottish Government’s budget, which was published today, Peter Kelly (Director, Poverty Alliance), said: “Today’s Scottish Government budget contains a number of welcome commitments.

“Doubling the Scottish Child Payment from April, as we and so many others across Scotland campaigned hard for, will help stem the rising tide of poverty across the country. Introducing free bus travel for young people under 22 is also a positive step toward a transport system that can tackle inequality. 

“But with over one million people in Scotland living in the grip of poverty, it is clear that we cannot let up. In 2022 we must see these actions built upon, with further steps taken to build a Scottish social security system that unlocks people from poverty.

“We must also go further in redesigning our public services, like by extending free bus travel available to all under 25s and to everyone on low incomes.”

Scottish debt help charity welcomes the doubling of the Scottish Child Payment in the Scottish Budget

Child poverty is rising in every local authority in Scotland. Even before the pandemic, one in four children in Scotland were growing up in poverty and food bank use has increased by 63% over the last five years.

The pandemic has made things even more difficult for those already struggling as it has disproportionately impacted people living on low incomes.  

CAP Scotland National Director, Emma Jackson, says, “We are delighted to hear about the Scottish Government’s commitment to double the Scottish Child Payment for families with children under the age of six.

“This is the single most impactful action that will take us four percentage points closer to reaching our interim child poverty targets and signals that ending child poverty will be a defining priority for Scotland. It is encouraging to see Scotland leading the way with this unique payment for families.

“This additional income will make a significant difference for the families we work with at Christians Against Poverty (CAP) Scotland. Families like Holly’s, who experienced problem debt after an overnight reduction in hours at work. Coupled with ill health and the challenges of being a single parent, debt began to deeply impact all aspects of Holly’s life.

“Through working with CAP Scotland, Holly was able to access the right debt solution for her and begin a debt free fresh start. The additional £40 per month will mean not having to worry as much about keeping her home warm for her and her son or buying him more food.

“Yet the very real challenges of making a low income stretch far enough to meet essential living costs remains. We welcome the news of free bus travel for those under the age of 22, the extension of free school meals to older age groups and the accelerated roll out of the Scottish Child Payment to include all children under the age of 16 by the end of next year. However, we would urge the Scottish Government to do all it can to bring the roll out of the Scottish Child Payment forward. 

“With the rising cost of living and the end to the Universal Credit uplift, many families are facing a significant struggle this winter. We’re concerned that even more people will be pushed into poverty. We are keen to hold the Scottish Government to their commitment that “we can’t leave anyone behind”.

“The announcements in today’s budget leave a risk that key groups could experience further hardship. For too many households we work with at CAP, like single adult households, there is insufficient income to cover everyday essentials – rent, food, fuel, toiletries – and borrowing money is often a necessity to survive. No one should be forced into problem debt in order to survive.”

The Scottish budget 2022-23 includes £150 million for walking, wheeling and cycling, an increase of £19.6m.   

Living Streets Scotland, part of the UK charity for everyday walking has welcomed the significant funding and the impact it will have to make cleaner and healthier forms of transport. 

The funding will put Scotland on course to ensure sustainable modes of travel get 10 per cent of resources by 2024-25. In addition, a significant increase in road safety funding is proposed. In their press release, Scottish Government says the funding aims to ‘progress ambitions to create an active travel nation, reduce car kilometres and progress towards net zero.’  

Stuart Hay, Director, Living Streets Scotland said: “Today marks a fundamental and positive change in how transport is funded with a much greater focus on people walking, wheeling and cycling.  

“Walking accounts for 22% of all trips, so it’s great to see spending levels reflecting this reality, switching from a focus on new road schemes that have resulted in congestion and emissions. 

“The £150 million investment will make it easier, safer and more attractive for more people to choose cleaner ways to travel. This is vital in the face of a climate emergency and a crisis in public health brought about by inactivity.

“This level of investment means new projects, such as national action to get more children walking to school are possible. It also makes plans to cut traffic on Scotland’s roads and streets by 20% more realistic.”  

Responding to the Scottish Government’s Budget for 2022-23, Dr Liz Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce said: “Scotland’s economy is recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic faster and stronger than many expected, and this budget offered the Scottish Government an opportunity to accelerate this return to growth.

“Whilst there was much to welcome in this budget the Scottish Government should have gone further to support Scotland’s businesses, the drivers of economic growth.

“Many economic deterrents as a result of the pandemic remain in place, impacting on footfall on our town and city centre high streets, driving down demand in our vital tourism and aviation sectors, and the looming threat of a return to greater level of restrictions is holding back investment.  The Scottish Government should have provided assurances for businesses that targeted financial support will be made available to those ongoing affected sectors to deliver a clear pathway to recovery.”

On Non-Domestic Rates:

“Businesses will welcome the extension of rates reliefs afforded to properties in the retail, leisure, and hospitality sectors for an additional three months, however, this should have gone further to give businesses the time they need to recover from this incredibly challenging period.

“Scotland’s town and city centres have already lost thousands of businesses over the past twenty months and prolonged periods of home working have made the trading conditions for brick-and-mortar retailers tougher than ever, and many ratepayers will question if this extension goes far enough to support them.

“It was also disappointing that the Scottish Budget failed to confirm whether or not the long awaited NDR Revaluation due to take place in 2023 will go ahead as planned.”

Training, Skills and Supply Chain:

“Scotland’s businesses are still experiencing challenges through supply chain connectivity problems, rising cost prices, inflationary pressures, and recruitment difficulties.

“Additional funding for training interventions at all levels is welcome news and investment in Scotland’s workforce drive up business capacity and improve investment opportunities.

“Cost pressures and supply chain challenges require urgent action from government and whilst we await further details in the forthcoming National Economic Transformation Strategy, it’s important Scottish Government act now, collaborate with business and begin to resolve these issues as a priority for our economy.”

Energy and Just Transition:

“The energy sector remains a critical part of Scotland’s economy and the funding commitments in the budget to support a Just Transition are a step in the right direction.

“To meet Scotland’s Net Zero ambitions and secure the future of jobs in the energy sector and North and North-East though, this investment and funding needs to continue to be stepped up, at pace, in partnership with industry to enable businesses to pivot successfully.”