The number of Baby Boxes delivered to expectant parents has reached 200,000. The milestone comes after independent evaluation showed overwhelming backing for the box and its contents.
Children’s Minister Clare Haughey said: “We are proud that the 200,000th Baby Box has been delivered to a family preparing to welcome their wee one. It means that 200,000 newborns and their parents have now benefitted from a range of essential items.
“The Baby Box is part of our commitment to making sure that every child, no matter what their circumstances, has the best start in life. Deliveries of the boxes have continued throughout the pandemic, supporting parents at a time when many may be facing additional financial worries or having to cope without as much face-to-face support from family and friends.
“Last year, a record 98% of expectant parents requested a Baby Box, a big rise on the 85% when they were first launched in 2017.
“This is a further vote of confidence for the scheme following the independent evaluation that showed how much parents value the Baby Box and its contents.”
One Parent Families Scotland CEO Satwat Rehman said: “The fact that all babies in Scotland are gifted a box full of essential items means that as a society we want every child, regardless of their circumstances, to get the best start in life.
“We fully support this positive public health initiative that has the potential, through its universal approach, to make a contribution to the reduction of inequalities at the start of a baby’s life.
“Parents have told us that receiving the box made them feel the Government ‘cares about families’.”
A Baby Box is offered to all newborns in Scotland.
It provides families with a range of essential items for their first six months, delivered in a sturdy cardboard box, which can be used as a safe sleeping space during the early months of a baby’s life. The contents of the Baby Box are designed to inform and support positive parenting behaviours.
In an independent evaluation, 97% of parents who took part in research rated the box and its contents as good. Parents highlighted benefits of the box, including saving them money on essential items for newborns and helping with information on child health and development.
First UK cases of Omicron variant identified Prime Minister confirms new, temporary measures to respond to emergence of UK cases of the Omicron variant
All international arrivals to take a Day 2 PCR test and self-isolate until they receive a negative test
Face coverings to be made compulsory in shops and public transport
Measures are precautionary, and will be reviewed in three weeks
The Prime Minister yesterday today confirmed new temporary and precautionary measures following the emergence of the Omicron variant in the UK.
The Omicron variant contains a large number of spike protein mutations as well as mutations in other parts of the viral genome. Urgent work is ongoing internationally to fully understand how these mutations may change the behaviour of the virus with regards to vaccines, treatments and transmissibility.
Vaccines remain our best line of defence. Experts remain confident that our current vaccines will provide protection against the new variant, but the extent of this continues to be investigated.
Over 16 million people have already come forward for their booster jabs, and we have seen a fall in hospitalisations and deaths. All adults who have not yet received their first or second dose of the vaccine, or those who are eligible for their booster are encouraged to come forward to help protect themselves and others.
Targeted measures will be introduced from next week as a precaution to slow down the spread of the variant while we gather more information. These are:
All international arrivals must take a Day 2 PCR test and self-isolate until they receive a negative result.
All contacts of suspected Omicron cases must self-isolate, regardless of their vaccination status. They will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace.
Face coverings will be made compulsory in shops and on public transport from next week. All hospitality settings will be exempt.
Six million booster jabs will be available in England alone over the next three weeks, and the Health Secretary has today asked the JCVI to consider rapidly extending boosters, as well as reducing the gap between the second dose and booster.
Two cases of the Omicron variant were today identified in Essex and Nottingham. Targeted testing and contact tracing is now underway.
Early indications suggest this variant may be more transmissible than the Delta variant and current vaccines may be less effective against it. A rapid rise in infections in South Africa has been attributed to the spread of this new variant of COVID-19.
International efforts are now underway to gather as much data and information as possible about this new variant, with more detailed information expected over the next three weeks. It is due to South Africa’s extensive surveillance system and transparency that the UK has been able to have early warning of this new variant and begin collecting data.
Travel restrictions have already been implemented to slow the spread of the variant and protect our borders. From 04:00 Sunday 28 November South Africa, Botswana, Lesostho, Eswatini, Zimbabwe and Namibi, Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia, and Angola will be added to the UK’s travel red list.
The vaccination programme and test, trace and isolate system continue to be the most effective way of reducing transmission, along with practicing good hygiene, keeping spaces well ventilated, and wearing a face covering in enclosed or crowded spaces.
The UKHSA continues to monitor the situation closely, in partnership with scientific and public health organisations across the world. The UK government thanks the government of South Africa for its surveillance of this variant and its transparency.
Scots urged to ‘redouble their efforts’
Responding to the confirmation of two cases of the Omicron variant in England, Cabinet Secretary for Health Humza Yousaf said: “News that two cases of the Omicron variant have been confirmed in England is a stark reminder that we must not drop our guard.
“No cases have yet been detected in Scotland, but the fact this new variant is on our doorstep is clearly a worry and we should act as though it is already here.
“There is still much to learn about the Omicron variant. Questions remain about its severity, transmissibility and effect on treatments or vaccines and scientists are working at pace to provide additional information. Until more is known we must adopt the precautionary principle and do everything we can to minimise the risk of spreading infection.
“Following discussions today with Health Secretary Sajid Javid and the other devolved administrations – and in light of the well known practical reasons for preferring a UK wide approach to travel restrictions – we are aligning with the new border restrictions being introduced by the UK Government which will require fully vaccinated arrivals to take a PCR test within two days of arrival and to self-isolate until a negative result is received.
“These measures will be introduced as soon as possible and kept under constant review. However, we reserve the right to go further if necessary.
“We are also adopting the expanded red list of countries identified by the UK Government. This will also be kept under review.
“Throughout the pandemic people in Scotland have been amazing in doing everything possible to get cases down, to protect ourselves, each other and the NHS, and in taking up the offer of a vaccine.
“We must now redouble our efforts to follow the basic rules that have served us well so far in the pandemic – wear a face covering on public transport and in all indoor settings for food and retail; open windows especially if you have people visiting at home; keep washing your hands regularly and thoroughly. Work from home where possible, take regular lateral flow tests and behave sensibly.
“If you have symptoms, self-isolate and take a test and and if contacted by Test and Protect or public health teams please co-operate and follow their advice. All close contacts of suspected Omicron cases will be advised to self-isolate for 10 days, regardless of their vaccination status.
“And of course, if you are still unvaccinated or are yet to get your second dose, please get vaccinated now. If you are over 40, you can book your booster jab for six months after your second vaccine dose – please do so.
“As we head into winter we are facing an as yet unknown risk from this new variant. Let’s once again rise to the challenge and do everything we can to keep everyone safe.”
Up to 100 events taking place across the country between 26 – 30 November
This weekend people in Edinburgh are being encouraged to celebrate our national day by coming together to share kindness with friends and neighbours, and recognise the value we place on having compassion for others and the environment we live in.
Kindness is a central theme of the St Andrew’s Day events programme – part of Scotland’s Winter Festivals 2021/22. The Scottish Government has provided over £430,000 in funding for Scotland’s Winter Festivals and the events programme is delivered by EventScotland, BEMIS Scotland, the Fair Saturday Foundation and the English Speaking Union Scotland.
Up to 100 individual events are planned for the five-day festivities marking St Andrew’s Day across the country including theatre performances, poetry readings and music concerts as well as ceilidhs, torchlight parades and a Diversity Cup football tournament.
Events happening across Edinburgh, which will give a welcome boost to the tourism and event sectors as they recover from the pandemic, include:
● Summerhall Presents: FAIR PLAY – 30 November 2021: An evening of music, theatre, spoken word, dance and film. Edinburgh’s independent performing arts venue Summerhall is working with Fair Saturday to present FAIR PLAY, celebrating some of the artists who’ve been involved with Summerhall’s Artist Development Programme. MC’d by poet and theatre maker Leyla Josephine, the night will include dance from Katie Armstrong and Róisín O’Brien, spoken word from John Osborne (My Car Plays Tapes) and Colin Bramwell (Three Pints on a Sunday), and a screening of a new short film Auntie Empire (Julia Taudevin, Niamh McKeown and Jana Robert), all rounded off with music from a surprise guest.
● Scottish LGBTQ+ Walking Tour – 27th November 2021: As part of St Andrew’s Fair Saturday there will be a new 2-hour walking tour in Edinburgh’s Old Town featuring Scottish LGBTQ+ history. Starting at either 10am or 2pm on the 27th of November the tour will discuss pioneering lesbian doctors in the Victorian era, a gender non-conforming army surgeon, and the sites of some of the first public queer social events in Edinburgh in the 1970s and 20% of all proceeds with be donated to Mermaids.
● Kindness of Words – 26th – 30th November 2021: Enjoy a little ‘spoken word sustenance’ with a curated programme of special events within the St Andrew’s Fair Saturday Festival this year. Take a chance to pause and enjoy sessions created by charities and organisations across the world that promote a love of reading, storytelling, poetry and literature. Events include Elevenses poetry event with Jackie Kay on St Andrew’s Day at the Edinburgh Storytelling Centre, a celebration of books and stories at Streetreads library in Edinburgh and a special mini Bookbug session with Scottish Book Trust.
As part of this year’s celebrations, Edinburgh-based artist Emily Hogarth has designed an illustration which encapsulates the spirit of St Andrew’s Day and reflects small acts of kindness that have brought us together over the past 12 months.
The illustration and its message, ‘When Kindness is Shared it Grows’, will be brought to life and displayed at St James Quarter and the Festival Theatre reminding people around Scotland to share kindness with others this St Andrew’s Day.
Culture Minister Jenny Gilruth said: “Scotland’s Winter Festivals bring a much-needed brightness and joy to the winter darkness and I’m very pleased that the Scottish Government is contributing up to £430,000 to the programme of events.
“The past year has been challenging for everyone so the government is proud to fund a programme of events that bring people together from near and far to showcase our world-class culture and heritage as well as our values of fairness, kindness, inclusivity and empowerment.”
For more information on the full St Andrew’s Day events programme visit:
Scottish Government invited to work with UK Government to deliver ambitious transport improvements
Prime Minister underlines commitment to stronger transport connections between Scotland and the rest of the UK as the UK Government publishes Sir Peter Hendy’s independent Union Connectivity Review.
Prime Minister invites the Scottish Government to work collaboratively on projects that will deliver vital improvements to local, regional and national connections.
UK Government to progress creation of UKNET, a UK wide strategic transport network, to plan and deliver vital improvements that better connect all the nations of the UK.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has today (Friday 26th November) committed to forging and strengthening transport bonds that will create a more cohesive and connected United Kingdom.
As the UK Government publishes Sir Peter Hendy’s final report of the Union Connectivity Review, the Prime Minister has underlined the importance of better connections – on both local and national transport networks – to bring all UK communities within closer reach of social and economic opportunities.
The Prime Minister has particularly welcomed, and intends to accept, the proposal for the creation of UKNET – a strategic transport network spanning the entire United Kingdom.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:“With some of the busiest travel corridors for both passengers and freight, strengthening transport connections between Scotland and the rest of the UK is critical to maximise the potential for growth and jobs.
“Sir Peter Hendy’s review identifies key areas where we can boost rail, road and air links to better support Scottish businesses and communities, and we will work closely with the Scottish Government to take these proposals forward in ways that will bring our towns and cities even closer together.”
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps:“Improved connections between Scotland and the rest of the United Kingdom are essential for driving economic growth, forging relations, and bringing communities closer together.
“I am indebted to Sir Peter for his work. We will consider his recommendations carefully, engage closely with the Scottish Government, and work collegiately to ensure these proposals strengthen the ties that bind us, now and for the future.”
The proposals for Scotland include upgrades to the West Coast Main Line, increasing capacity and cutting journey times between Scotland and London, the Midlands and North West England, which are key for both communities and businesses.
Another recommendation is for the UK and Scottish Governments to work together on developing an assessment of the East Coast road and rail transport corridor from North East England to South East Scotland, including improvements on the East Coast Main Line and the A1.
It also includes offering the Scottish Government new funding to support the upgrade of the A75 making journeys between Northern Ireland and Great Britain quicker and easier.
This would provide a major boost for jobs and further consolidate the UK Government’s commitment to improving cross-border connectivity.
The Review also encourages the Scottish Government to improve the A77 to support journeys between Belfast, Glasgow, and Aberdeen.
Independent Chair of the Union Connectivity Review, Sir Peter Hendy, said:“My recommendations provide comprehensive, achievable and clear plans forward to better connect the whole of the United Kingdom, leading to more growth, jobs, housing and social cohesion.
“I welcome the enthusiasm shown by the Prime Minister and the Government to my final report and I look forward to their formal response to my recommendations, which aim to spread opportunity and prosperity right across the United Kingdom.”
Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said:“I thank Sir Peter for his work and I believe his central recommendation – the creation of a UK strategic transport network – lays the foundation for linking up the home nations much more effectively, boosting our economy and levelling up opportunity around the country.
“His specific proposals for upgrades to the A75 and the West Coast Main Line, plus rail and road improvements on the east coast corridor from North East England to South East Scotland will be welcomed by businesses, commuters and leisure travellers alike. As will him encouraging the Scottish Government to improve the A77 to support journeys between Belfast, Glasgow, and Aberdeen.
“Our task is now to turn the vision into real improvements. I urge the Scottish Government to work with us to make that happen so we can deliver the benefits travellers want and businesses need.”
The independent Union Connectivity Review was launched in October 2020, led by Sir Peter Hendy CBE, to undertake how a detailed review of the quality and availability of transport infrastructure across the UK can support economic growth and quality of life.
The recommendations published today include:
The UK Government should design and implement UKNET – a strategic transport network for the whole of the UK, with funding commitments targeted at parts of the network that require the most improvements;
Improvements should be planned using multimodal corridors, which should be appraised on their ability to support the levelling up and net zero agenda;
The UK Government should support the development of sustainable aviation fuel plants in parts of the United Kingdom that are particularly reliant on aviation for domestic connectivity.
The UK Government will now carefully consider the Union Connectivity Review’s recommendations in detail, and has invited the Scottish Government to work together to identify the solutions which work best for the people of Scotland and the rest of the UK, and make tangible and meaningful progress as swiftly as possible.
The Scottish Government has yet to comment on the Review.
Scotland’s Winter Festivals celebrating St Andrew’s Day, Hogmanay and Burns Night are to share in up to £430,000 in Scottish Government funding.
As Scotland’s national day approaches, the funding will help support up to 100 individual events running from 26 November to 30 November as part of the St Andrew’s Day celebrations.
These include the St Andrew’s Fair Saturday programme and a range of community events organised by BEMIS Scotland – the national umbrella body supporting the development of the Ethnic Minorities Voluntary Sector.
EventScotland-supported St Andrew’s Day events include the SEALL Festival of Small Halls across the Isles of Skye, Raasay and Lochalsh.
The theme of the celebrations this year is kindness and consideration for others and the programme features concerts, poetry readings, ceilidhs, torchlight parades and a Diversity Cup football tournament.
The Scottish Government has also extended support to EventScotland’s Hogmanay celebrations in Stirling, Portree, Edinburgh and Stromness and their programme of events to mark Scotland’s most famous poet, Robert Burns, with Burns&Beyond and the Big Burns Supper in January 2022.
Culture Minister Jenny Gilruth said: “Scotland’s Winter Festivals bring a much-needed brightness and joy to the winter darkness and I’m very pleased that the Scottish Government is contributing up to £430,000 to the programme of events.
“The past year has been challenging for everyone so the government is proud to fund a programme of events that bring people together from near and far to showcase our world-class culture and heritage as well as our values of fairness, kindness, inclusivity and empowerment.”
SNP MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Gordon MacDonald, has welcomed the Scottish Government’s rollout of financial support for families of children with a disability.
The new payment, which provides money to help with the extra costs of caring for a child with a disability or ill-health condition, opens for applications across the country today.
For the first time anywhere in the UK, disability benefit applicants can apply for Child Disability Payment online, as well as by phone, post or face-to-face.
As the Child Disability Payment replaces the UK Government’s Disability Living Allowance for children, this is for new applications. Those already receiving Disability Living Allowance for children do not need to apply.
These approximately 52,000 current cases are being automatically transferred in phases from the Department for Work and Pensions to Social Security Scotland and will be completed by spring 2023.
This is the first of three complex disability benefits to be introduced by the Scottish Government, with Adult Disability Payment to start next year.
Commenting on the rollout Gordon MacDonald, said: “The Child Disability Payment is a significant milestone for Scotland’s new social security system.
“I’m extremely pleased that families across Edinburgh will benefit from a simplified and much less stressful system that allows them to apply for the payment online, by phone, by post or face to face. For too long families have faced an overly complicated process that feels like it’s been designed to keep them out.
“I’m glad that people both here in Edinburgh, and right across Scotland, are benefitting from an SNP Government that is putting dignity, fairness and respect at the heart of its social security system.”
Scotland’s Autumn/Winter vaccination programme has delivered more than one and a half million third doses and boosters (1,502,266) of the COVID-19 jab.
The roll-out continues to see high coverage across all eligible groups for first, second and third/booster doses with an average of 30,000 daily since early November and a record daily total of 37,153 doses on 17 November.
Almost a quarter (24%) of those aged 50-59 years have now had their booster and people in this group are urged to book their own appointment at the online portal at NHS Inform or through the National Helpline.
Unpaid carers who are 16 and over, and those aged 16 and over who are household contacts of immunosuppressed individuals can also book online as can anyone in an earlier group who missed their appointment for whatever reason.
New appointments are added regularly on the portal.
Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: ““I am pleased by the progress so far of the Autumn/Winter vaccination programme – one and a half million third doses and boosters is a significant milestone – and I want to thank again everyone involved in the delivery. In terms of first, second and third and booster doses, I’m pleased to say Scotland is still the most vaccinated part of the UK.
“We continue to follow JCVI advice to ensure the most vulnerable are offered flu and booster vaccines first. People aged 50 to 59, unpaid carers who are 16 and over, and those aged 16 and over who are household contacts of immunosuppressed individuals can book their Autumn/Winter vaccination appointments via the online portal or through the helpline.
“The booster jab offers longer lasting protection against the virus and we strongly encourage all those eligible to book an appointment as soon as possible. Remember you can get a booster from 24 weeks after you had your second dose.
WWhere anyone experiences difficulty gaining access to their vaccination centre they should seek to reschedule their appointment where possible and, if they require additional assistance, contact their Health Board to discuss options.
“While vaccination is the bedrock of our fight against COVID-19, we encourage everyone to follow mitigations such as regular testing, particularly before socialising and meeting up with others from outside your household, wearing face marks where required and opening windows to improve ventilation.”
To use the online portal, individuals will need their unique vaccination username which can be found on any previous appointment letter.
Negative test becomes part of certification scheme
People attending venues covered by Scotland’s COVID certification scheme are to be given the option of providing a recent negative lateral flow test for the virus, as an alternative to proof of vaccination.
It means that individuals who received a vaccine not recognised by the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency), or have experienced difficulty accessing their vaccination record, will be able to attend venues covered by the scheme.
The change, which takes effect on December 6th, comes as First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced that there will not be an extension of the scheme to additional settings, such as cinemas and pubs. Instead, she told MSPs that whenever people intend to socialise or mix with people from other households – whether that is in a pub, restaurant, house or shopping centre – they should do an LFD test first.
The certification scheme will continue to apply to major events and late-night venues. Regulations and guidance for businesses affected by the change will be published in the coming days.
The First Minister said: “This change makes it possible for people who cannot be vaccinated, or who are not yet fully protected, to make use of the scheme. That will I know be welcomed.
“The new rule will also, we hope, encourage the greater use of regular lateral flow testing and it will still meet our aim of reducing the risk of transmission, within higher risk venues.
“We encourage everyone to continue to test themselves regularly and particularly before you meet up with people from outside your household, whether you are meeting in your home or public place. If you test positive stay home, isolate and take a PCR test.
“Certification continues to have a role in helping us to increase vaccine uptake to reduce the risk of transmission of Coronavirus, to alleviate pressure on our health and care services and to allow higher risk settings to continue to operate.
“Our NHS is still under pressure. We need to consider any proportionate measures we can take so that Covid case numbers start to fall, rather than levelling off.”
The Scottish Government continues to encourage people to take lateral flow tests twice a week, and whenever they plan to meet people, including through the current “Living Safely for Us All” public health campaign.
The First Minister’s Coronavirus update statement in full:
Thanks, Presiding Officer,
I will give an update on the latest COVID situation, and our best assessment of the current course of the pandemic.
I will also – following on from last week’s statement – set out a proposed change to the current COVID certification scheme and our rationale for all of the decisions reached this morning in relation to the scheme.
First, though, today’s statistics.
2,527 positive cases were reported yesterday – 11.6% of tests carried out.
743 people are currently in hospital with COVID – seven fewer than yesterday.
And 60 people are receiving intensive care – one more than yesterday.
Sadly, a further 17 deaths have been reported in the past 24 hours, which takes the total number of deaths registered under this daily definition, to 9,495.
And, once again, I send my condolences to everyone who has lost a loved one.
More positively, the progress of the vaccination programme continues to be very good.
4,340,162 people have now had a first dose and 3,940,314 have had both doses.
In total, now, 88% of all those aged over 18 are double vaccinated.
In addition, 77% of 16 and 17 year olds, and 58% of 12 to 15 year olds, have had a first dose.
And in line with updated JCVI advice, we are now preparing to offer second doses to 16 and 17 year olds.
As of now, on first, second, third and booster doses, I’m pleased to say that Scotland is still the most vaccinated part of the UK.
And I want to again record my thanks to everyone involved in organising and delivering the vaccine programme. Presiding Officer,
Looking across Europe, we can see very clearly that the COVID situation is deteriorating again.
As a result, COVID measures are being tightened or re-introduced in many countries – for example, Ireland, the Netherlands, Germany and Slovakia.
At the most severe end of the spectrum, Austria is back in full lockdown and also mandating compulsory vaccination.
All of this is a stark reminder that the threat of the pandemic unfortunately is not yet behind us.
COVID is continuing to force governments everywhere to take really difficult and invidious decisions.
And of course that is also true here in Scotland.
While, thankfully, we are not at this stage seeing the rapid rise in cases that others are experiencing, the situation does remain precarious.
Cases are on the rise, to a greater or lesser extent, in countries all around us – including here in the UK.
And we are also entering a period when – understandably – people will be socialising and mixing more than normal.
So even though our position now is relatively stable compared to some other countries, we must continue to take care and we must not allow ourselves to be lulled into any false sense of security.
So let me give some more detail on the recent trends we are seeing here.
Last week, I noted that cases had increased gradually over the previous fortnight from just over 2,500 new cases a day, to just over 3,000.
Since then, the situation appears to have stabilised again.
In the past seven days, the average number of new cases being recorded each day has fallen from just over 3,000 to just under 3,000 – it’s been a fall of around 3%.
However, there continues to be quite a marked variation between different age groups.
In the over 60s, cases fell by 19%. And this, at least in part, is very likely to reflect the good progress of the booster programme.
In the under 60s, though, there was only a very slight decline. A small fall in cases in those aged under 25, was almost balanced out by a very small increase in the other age bands under 60.
So in younger age groups, cases have been broadly static over the past week.
That said, a number of different factors will be at play over the next few weeks and the combination of these makes it quite difficult to be certain about the course the pandemic will take over the festive period and into January.
On the one hand, the booster programme will continue to gather pace; and more people in younger age groups will receive their primary vaccinations.
So we can expect the combined effects of vaccination to bear down on transmission and also, we hope, reduce the numbers who will become seriously unwell as a result of getting the virus.
On the other hand, we can also expect more indoor mixing to take place – as the weather gets colder, and of course as we head towards the festive season. In addition, there is likely to be some waning of vaccine immunity – which, of course, is why booster jags matter so much.
And these latter factors will increase risks of transmission.
And, of course, while the cases are broadly stable just now, it is also the case that infection rates remain too high and higher than we’d want them to be .
All of this is putting significant and sustained pressure on the NHS.
In the past week, the number of people in hospital with COVID has fallen only slightly – from 779 to 743.
And the number of people in intensive care has risen very slightly – from 57 to 60.
So the number of patients in hospital with COVID is still high.
The NHS is also dealing with the backlog of care created by earlier phases of the pandemic.
And of course, the peak of the winter flu season, coupled with other winter pressures, possibly still lies ahead of us.
Taking all of this into account and adding the fact that the R number is hovering at or slightly above 1 leads us to this conclusion; our situation is definitely more positive than we might have expected it to be at this point, but it is still precarious.
We need to get the R number back below 1.
And that means having in place a range of proportionate protections to keep the country as safe as possible while we continue to live as freely as possible.
That is why the Cabinet decided this morning to retain for a further period all of the remaining legal protections, such as the requirement to wear face coverings and – subject to a change I will set out shortly – to keep in place the COVID certification scheme, and also to intensify our public information campaign in the weeks ahead.
I want to now set out and really emphasise today the range of protections that we judge to be essential – and I want to stress that word, essential – if we are to navigate this winter as safely as possible and, crucially without the need to re-introduce more onerous restrictions.
And, Presiding Officer,
As we approach the festive season, I am appealing fresh to everyone across the country to comply with all of these protections with renewed care and commitment – to keep ourselves safe but also to show our solidarity to those around us.
Firstly, vaccination.
The duty of government is to deliver the vaccine programme – especially, at this stage, boosters – as rapidly as possible.
Right now, that is my government’s top priority.
More than 1.4 million people – just over 30% of the total over-12 population – have so far had a booster or third dose.
Within the most vulnerable groups, 87% of over 70s and 76% of those at highest clinical risk already have the protection of a booster or third dose.
As I mentioned earlier, we are already seeing the positive impact of boosters in the case numbers.
So the programme is going exceptionally well but we are doing everything possible – and will continue to do everything possible – to speed it up further.
Delivering the programme as quickly as possible is of course the government’s responsibility – although of course we are reliant on and eternally grateful for the commitment of NHS workers in delivering it.
The duty and responsibility though of all of us as citizens is to get vaccinated as soon as we are able.
So if you haven’t yet had a dose of vaccine that you are eligible for, please make arrangements to get it now.
This is even more vital if you are planning to socialise at all over the festive period.
If you are meeting up with loved ones and you are not as fully vaccinated as you could be, you are putting them at unnecessary risk.
To be blunt, you could be putting their lives in danger.
The most precious gift we can give anyone this Christmas is to be vaccinated – and also tested which I’ll say more about shortly – before we meet, hug or spend any time with them.
So, if you haven’t had a first or second dose yet, it’s not too late – so please do so now.
And please also get your booster as soon as you are able.
A booster jag reduces the risk of symptomatic infection by more than 80%. So – let me stress this – it’s not just a small top up – getting your booster is every bit as important as the initial vaccinations.
If you are aged over 50, or are in one of the higher risk groups – and are over 24 weeks from your second jag – you need to book an appointment online via NHS inform or via the helpline. The helpline number is 0800 030 8013.
If you live in many parts of the Highland area, or on one of the island areas which doesn’t use online booking, you will be contacted separately by your health board.
But for everyone else, please use NHS inform, or call the helpline. And please book the booster for as soon as you are eligible – which is 24 weeks after your second dose. Don’t, for example, wait until after the Christmas holiday period is over.
For those aged 40 to 49 who are next in line for boosters – and for 16 and 17 year olds who will now be offered a second dose – information on booking appointments will be available very soon.
Above all today, I want to reinforce this vital message to every person eligible for vaccination, including pregnant women – whether for a first, second, third or booster jag, please book an appointment without delay. And get your flu jag too if you are eligible for that.
Getting vaccinated does remain the single most important thing any of us can do to protect ourselves, our loved ones, and our communities.
You could well be saving your own life, and the lives of your loved ones.
You will be helping the NHS.
And you will be maximising our chances of getting through this winter, without the need for further restrictions.
Presiding Officer,
The vaccine programme is the bedrock of our fight against COVID.
But other protections are vitally important too.
The Scottish Government will be intensifying our public awareness and information campaigns over the winter period to make sure everyone knows what is being asked of us.
So when you see those ads, please take a moment to listen and remind yourself of the protections that will help keep you and others safe.
What are these other protections?
Firstly, as well as vaccination, we are asking everyone to take regular lateral flow tests.
We have been asking people to do this routinely twice a week.
However, over the festive period, we are asking for extra effort – and so this next request is vitally important.
On any occasion that you are socialising with others – whether that is going out for drinks or dinner, visiting someone at home, or even going shopping somewhere that might be crowded – please take an LFD test before you go.
And if it is positive, do not go. Instead get a PCR test and self-isolate while you wait for the result.
This way, you are minimising the risk of inadvertently passing the virus on even if you don’t have symptoms. Also, please continue to wear face coverings on public transport, in shops and when moving around in hospitality settings. This remains a legal requirement. But it is also a vital protection – a study published just last week suggested that face coverings may reduce the risk of transmission by over 50%.
And remember, good ventilation also reduces risks in indoor spaces. So please open windows if you have people round.
And lastly, please do continue to work from home whenever possible.
I know this isn’t always easy for workers – nor is it convenient always for employers. But it does make a difference and it will help us navigate our way through this difficult winter period.
The average number of contacts people are having in the workplace has doubled in recent weeks, and as we head deeper into winter, this will create an increased risk of transmission. The virus transmits, as we know, when people interact. And when people go to work they interact in a number of ways – including through travel, during lunch breaks, and after work. So support for homeworking, whenever possible, remains one of the most effective protections we have at our disposal just now.
Presiding Officer,
Let me turn now to the COVID certification scheme which Cabinet also discussed this morning, and set out the decisions we reached and the rationale for them.
For context, it is worth bearing in mind that COVID certification is far from unique to Scotland. Similar schemes are in in place in many other parts of the world.
In fact, in recent weeks, certification schemes have been announced, reintroduced or extended in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Northern Ireland and elsewhere. Many cover a wider range of premises than Scotland’s does.
However, we must reach decisions based on our own circumstances and so I can confirm that the judgments we arrived at this morning are as follows.
Firstly, for at least a further three week period, we will retain vaccine certification for the venues and events currently covered by the scheme – that is late night licensed premises with a designated area for dancing; unseated indoor events of 500 people or more; unseated outdoor events of 4,000 people or more; and any event with 10,000 people or more.
Given the current state of the pandemic, it is our judgement that it would not be appropriate at this stage to remove this protection against transmission.
Secondly, however, we have decided that from 6 December it will be possible to access venues or events covered by the scheme by showing either proof of vaccination, as now, or a recent negative lateral flow test result.
When we first launched the scheme, one of its primary objectives was to help drive up vaccination rates. This is still important, obviously, but actual and projected uptake rates mean we judge it possible now to include testing.
Doing so will also ensure that the scheme remains proportionate going forward, and also help our wider efforts to stem transmission through greater use of LFD tests more generally.
And, finally, as I indicated last week, Cabinet also considered the possible extension of the scheme to a much wider range of premises, including indoor theatres, cinemas and other hospitality venues.
Let me stress, this was a very, very finely balanced decision.
However, I can confirm that at this stage we have decided not to extend the scope of the scheme.
We have taken account of the fact that – although our situation is precarious – cases are currently stable and indeed slightly declining; and we have considered the inevitable impact vaccine certification has on the operation of businesses; and concluded that, at this stage, extension would not be proportionate.
We were also mindful of the need over the coming weeks, as I’ve already alluded to, of getting across the message that it is important to be vaccinated and tested ahead of socialising in any setting – including in homes and shopping centres, for example – not just in those that might be covered by a certification scheme.
Presiding Officer,
I said last week that we would take this decision with the utmost care and that is what we have done.
It is important to stress, however, that we must keep it – as we do all possible protections – under review.
If our situation does deteriorate, it may yet be that extending COVID certification is a more proportionate alternative to the re-introduction of more onerous restrictions on, for example, hospitality.
We will continue to liaise closely with businesses about this and about what they must do in the coming weeks to minimise that risk.
Presiding Officer,
To begin to conclude, it is an understatement I am sure to say that all of us are sick and tired of this virus and the impact it, although less than in previous months, it is nevertheless still having on our lives.
I understand that and indeed I share that sentiment.
I am also deeply grateful for all the sacrifices everyone has made and continues to make.
Thanks to those sacrifices, we are in a much stronger position now than I would have dared hope for just a few weeks ago.
But I can’t emphasise strongly enough that our position is still precarious.
The next few weeks do pose risks.
Cases are rising in countries around us. And the festive period will bring more travel and more socialising.
Of course, that is to be welcomed. We all desperately want a more normal Christmas than was possible last year.
But we must – all of us – take sensible, proportionate measures to reduce the risk of a new year hangover of surging cases, more pressure on the NHS, and an inevitability of renewed restrictions.
We can all play our part in avoiding this.
So to everyone watching, my request in a nutshell, is as follows – and please pass this on to your friends and family as well.
This is what all of us, government, businesses and individual citizens, must do together – as part of a social compact – to keep each other as safe as possible and allow us all to live as freely as possible.
So over these next crucial weeks, please wear your face coverings and follow all advice on hygiene and ventilation – wash your hands and surfaces and keep windows open when you have people round.
If you have eased up on this recently – as I know many of us will have – now is the time for all of us to tighten up again. Work from home if you can. If you think you could be working from home and you aren’t, raise this with your employer.
And to employers, please facilitate home working for a bit longer, as far as possible.
To all of you, make sure you get any and all vaccine doses you are eligible for, including flu.
For my part, I will continue to make sure that the government keeps rolling out the vaccination programme just as quickly as possible.
And, finally, on any occasion that you intend to socialise or mix with people from other households – whether that is in a pub, a restaurant, a house or a shopping centre – do an LFD test first.
If it is positive, do not go. Self-isolate and get a PCR test instead.
Government has made sure you can order these tests free through NHS Inform or get them at a local test site or pharmacy.
If you don’t have them already, now is the time to order some and keep your supply topped up over the next few weeks.
All of these precautions really matter. They are part of our social compact. They will help protect us and all of those around us. And they will help us protect our NHS and all of those working so hard on its frontline right now.
So please, I ask everybody across the country to stick with these protections – so that we can, I hope, have a more normal Christmas, but do so without jeopardising our prospect of a much brighter new year as well.
Councils will be given powers to ensure short-term lets are safe and meet the needs of their local communities under legislation laid before the Scottish Parliament.
Under the legislation, all local authorities will be required to establish a short-term lets licensing scheme by October 2022. Existing hosts and operators will have until 1 April 2023 to apply for a licence for each property that they operate as a short-term let. All short-term lets in Scotland will have to be licensed by 1 July 2024.
The legislation was developed after residents across Scotland raised significant concerns about the impact of short-term lets on their communities, including noise, antisocial behaviour and the impact on the supply on housing in some areas.
It will ensure the needs and concerns of communities are balanced with wider economic and tourism interests.
Housing Secretary Shona Robison said: “We have already introduced legislation allowing councils to establish short-term let control areas and manage numbers of short-term lets. This is the next significant step to delivering a licensing scheme that will ensure short-term lets are safe and the people providing them are suitable.
“We want short term lets to continue making a positive impact on Scotland’s tourism industry and local economies while meeting the needs of local communities.
“Short-term lets can offer people a flexible travel option. However, we know that in certain areas, particularly tourist hotspots, high numbers of lets can cause problems for neighbours and make it harder for people to find homes to live in.
“The licensing scheme and control area legislation give councils the powers to take action where they need to.
“We appreciate the input from tourism bodies, local government, community organisations and others in reaching this point, and look forward to delivering a short-term lets licensing scheme that works for Scotland.”
Further information on the Scottish Government’s short-term lets legislation is available online.
COSLA says urgent action is needed to address the consequences of real term cuts to the core budgets of Scotland’s 32 Councils in recent years.
The call comes as Finance Secretary Kate Forbes prepares to lay out the government’s spending plans in the Scottish Budget on December 9.
COSLA says Local Government can no longer continue to be the ‘poor relation’ it has been in recent Budgets and that December 9 presents a perfect opportunity to reset Scottish public spending in a way that empowers councils to achieve their ambition for our communities.
Speaking at a virtual news conference in Edinburgh, the COSLA President, Councillor Alison Evison, said: “Enabling people to ‘Live Well Locally’ is a shared ambition across Scottish Government and Local Government, but the resources must be provided to deliver this at a local level in line with local democratic choice.
“Sadly cuts to Councils’ core budgets over recent years have not allowed us to fully realise this shared ambition.”
COSLA’s Vice President, Councillor Graham Houston, said: “The fact is that Scotland’s Councils are key to creating the conditions for people within our communities to ‘Live Well Locally’, whether that’s on a remote farm or in a city centre.
“People’s local environment has become even more important during the pandemic and Local Government must be empowered and funded properly to allow us to create the environment for people to ‘Live Well Locally.’ Recovery needs to start locally to tackle the key issues facing our communities and local leadership is needed for that.”
COSLA’s Resources Spokesperson, Councillor Gail Macgregor, added: “Tackling the economic and health challenges created by the pandemic needs a local dimension – all the evidence and research backs this up.
“We fully support Scottish Government’s ambitions around economic transformation but that starts in every community.
“Local Government has been the poor relation of recent Budgets and our local knowledge and links need to be used fully before we are past the point of no return. Our communities are starting to show the neglect of an under-funded Local Government.
“Quite simply, what we need from this Budget is proper funding to provide the everyday services our communities need and deserve.”
