Scottish Government – Page 260 – The NEN

Fan Zone: Test kits being mailed to fans as Covid numbers rise again

Rapid lateral flow test kits will mailed from today to all visitors to the Glasgow Fan Zone to encourage testing. 17,000 ticket holders due attend the UEFA EURO 2020 Fan Zone at Glasgow Green will be contacted.

The move is part of a series of measures to help reduce the risk of transmission before and after the event.

In addition, a mobile testing bus is also now at Glasgow Green to provide on-site lateral flow testing, while attendees may be asked by COVID marshals on site whether they have taken a test as part of ongoing reporting on the site.

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf confirmed the arrangements yesterday as he was given a tour of the facility alongside Scotland’s National Clinical Director Professor Jason Leitch.

Mr Yousaf said: “I am encouraged to see first-hand all the mitigations in place at the fan zone which have helped to ensure that it is a low risk event. Supporters can gather here safely in a controlled environment – with necessary physical distancing and hygiene measures in place – to enjoy the football.

“I am also pleased that feedback from fans and staff so far on the arrangements in place – and the atmosphere – has been overwhelmingly positive.

“Ticket holders have already been contacted to emphasise the importance of self-testing. It is important to test both before and after the event, so we are now offering test kits to all fans attending to help minimise the risk of transmission. Additionally a mobile testing unit will be on site. Anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 or whose receives a positive test result must stay away, self-isolate and book a PCR test.

“Stewards will closely monitor the site and ask a sample of attendees about uptake of testing prior to arriving, while public health advisors will continue to look at data to ensure the event is being managed as safely as possible.

“The fan zone provides a focal point for celebrations and showcases the city. We want other businesses in Glasgow, including bars and restaurants, to be able to benefit from a boost in trade as a result of the tournament.”

Earlier slots for over-40s to help combat Delta variant

In another development, people over 40 whose second coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination appointment is scheduled more than eight weeks after their first are now being encouraged to seek an earlier slot.

It follows recent advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) recommending that the interval for second doses be brought forward from 12 to eight weeks – where supply allows – particularly in areas where the Delta variant is a major threat.

The national vaccination programme is already scheduling appointments to reflect the latest guidance. However, many people – particularly over 40s – have already received an invitation in line with the previous recommendation of a 12 week interval, and they are now being invited to reschedule an earlier appointment.

Supplies permitting this will also apply to under 40s when their second dose appointments are due.

A new vaccine journey tool on the NHS Inform website allows people to check the status of their second appointment. If it is more than eight weeks from the first, another slot can be booked if there is one available. The national helpline can also be used, and drop-in clinics are being set-up around the country.

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “We are working closely with NHS boards to ensure the number of appointments can be increased in line with national guidance to help combat new variants and provide protection to as many people as possible.

“Boards are boosting their capacity to administer second doses alongside the delivery of first doses to younger cohorts and appointments are now being issued in accordance with the new recommendation of an eight week gap.

“The second dose is vital in providing greater and longer lasting protection against the virus – particularly the new Delta variant. In line with the advice from the JCVI, we encourage those whose appointment was already scheduled – which is mainly over 40s at this time – to use the NHS Inform online tool, drop-in clinics or the national helpline to get their second dose appointment as close to eight weeks after their first as possible.

“In the six months since vaccinations started in Scotland we have delivered first doses to more than three quarters of the adult population and second doses to more than half. We remain on track to offer the vaccine to all adults by the end of July, but the emergence of the new variant shows we cannot be complacent.

“The vaccination programme is one of the main ways – along with restrictions and testing – that we are working to beat this virus and so it is crucial that everyone attends for their appointments.”

LOCKDOWN easing in England is set to be delayed.

So-called ‘Freedom Day’ was scheduled for 21 June, but Prime Minister is likely to announce a four week delay to retrictions when he addresses the nation at a press conference this evening.

Scots recognized in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List

From Dumfries to Edinburgh and from Fife to the Isle of Harris, 33 Scots have been recognized for their services to public life in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List 2021.

Recipients include Glasgow-born singer Lulu for services to music, entertainment and charity, and Andrew Kerr, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Council (above).

Neil Berkett, Chair of the NSPCC, said: “Congratulations to Andrew for his OBE, his honour is so well deserved for a life time of public service. As an NSPCC Trustee he carries the voice of the child and young person in everything he does. His work as a trustee and as a member of our service delivery committee help us protect vulnerable children.”

Public health expert Prof. Linda Bauld, receives an OBE.

The Queen’s Birthday Honours are awarded annually to recognise the outstanding achievements of people right across the UK.

Commenting on this year’s awards, Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said: “Her Majesty’s Birthday Honours are a fitting tribute to those in Scotland and right across the UK who have done so much to get the country through the pandemic.

“That includes Ian McCubbin for his work on the vaccines taskforce, Professor Michael Barrett of the Glasgow Lighthouse covid testing lab, and former chief nursing officer Fiona McQueen.

“The honours list shows the wealth of talent in Scotland’s public life. From ophthalmologist Carrie MacEwen, to financial expert Anne Richards, and Edinburgh Council Chief Executive Andrew Kerr, a host of Scots are recognised for their contribution to Scottish society.

“Lulu’s award for services to entertainment is very welcome. Nothing short of a national treasure, Lulu has a special place in the hearts of many Scots.

“Her Majesty has also recognised the depth of dedication and commitment in local communities across the country, with awards for the unsung heroes up and down Scotland.

“My sincere congratulations go to all the Scots who have been honoured by Her Majesty.”

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has also paid tribute to the Scottish recipients in The Queen’s Birthday Honours list. She said: “The Queen’s Birthday Honours recognise the outstanding contributions of the people of Scotland to communities throughout the country, and around the world.

“Their exceptional service and dedication in a range of fields including the arts, education, business, charity, community support, and science has provided countless benefits across society.

“I’m also pleased to see that many individuals who have helped our work to tackle the coronavirus pandemic have been recognised. I know we are all hugely grateful to each and every one of them, and it is right that their stellar efforts have been acknowledged in this way

“Our emergency services have always gone above and beyond the call of duty to keep people and communities across Scotland safe, and never more so than during these unprecedented times. I also want to extend my congratulations to those personnel who have been awarded The Queen’s Fire, Police or Ambulance Service Medals.”

‘Caring Nation’ at the centre of Queen’s Birthday Honours List

The Queen’s Birthday Honours List 2021 demonstrates the extraordinary efforts made by individuals in all four nations of the United Kingdom during the pandemic.

The List includes those who have worked throughout the crisis, putting others before themselves – from caring neighbours, frontline and community heroes, to those supporting the UK recovery.

The Birthday Honours List 2021 is the most ethnically diverse list to date, with 15% of recipients coming from an ethnic minority background.

In a year that has truly tested the resolve and determination of the country, almost 23% of recipients are recommended for COVID-19 service. These include recipients who have given charitable and voluntary support to communities, service in health and social care, and those who have provided critical infrastructure support.

Recognising the world-beating and extraordinary success of the UK’s vaccination programme, a damehood goes to Kate Bingham, lately Chair, Vaccine Taskforce, for services to the procurement, manufacture and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines.

A damehood also goes to Professor Sarah Gilbert, Saïd Professor of Vaccinology at the Jenner Institute for her pivotal role in developing a COVID-19 vaccine.

A knighthood is given to Professor Andrew Pollard, Professor of Paediatric Infection, University of Oxford for services to Public Health particularly during COVID-19. CBEs are awarded to Ian McCubbin, Manufacturing Expert on the Vaccine Taskforce Steering Committee, Vaccine Taskforce and Mark Proctor, Global Supply Strategy Director at AstraZeneca. Divya Chadha Manek receives an OBE for her work in the research and development of vaccines and the resulting clinical trials.

This Honours List is an exemplary showcase of what a caring nation we are. British Empire Medals go to brother and sister John Brownhill and Amanda Guest, co-founders of Food4Heroes which delivered food from local chefs to those NHS frontline staff.

A BEM also goes to Rhys Mallows, 25 years old from South Glamorgan who repurposed his whiskey distillery to produce hand sanitiser and Mahtab Morovat for her work in supporting vulnerable people during the pandemic.

The majority of awards are for the contributions people have made in their communities. Of those receiving an award, 62% are recognised for their community work.

Leading a number of high impact contributions by younger people, the youngest recipient is 21 year old Amika George, founder of the #FreePeriods Campaign who receives an MBE for services to education. In campaigning against period poverty, she is joined on the List by friends Clegg Bamber and Anna Miles, also receiving MBEs for their work on the Red Box Project which has delivered free period products in schools across the country.

Singer Lulu receives a CBE for services to music, entertainment and charity, as does sport commentator Sue Barker for services to sport, broadcasting and charity, and former manager of Crystal Palace Football Club, Roy Hodgson for services to football.

Damehoods are awarded to Meg Hillier MP and Andrea Leadsom MP for their parliamentary and political service. Tony Lloyd MP receives a knighthood for parliamentary and public service.

In sport, Director of Rugby at Leeds Rhinos Kevin Sinfield receives an OBE for services to Rugby League Football and charitable fundraising for motor neuron disease. MBEs are also awarded to England footballers Jordan Henderson and Raheem Sterling for services to charity and racial equality in sport respectively.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: The Queen’s Birthday Honours allow us to pay tribute to all those who have gone above and beyond in their service to this country.

“Throughout the pandemic we have seen countless examples of every day heroes. From those using their expertise to help develop life-saving vaccines, which are now being rolled out successfully to all parts of the UK, to the people who have given time and energy to care for their communities.

“We should take heart from the stories of those receiving honours today and be inspired by their courage and kindness. May they be a reminder of all that we can achieve when we come together as a society.”

The honours system ‘strives to be inclusive of all of the UK society’. Of the 1,129 people who receive an award:

986 candidates have been selected at BEM, MBE and OBE level:
323 at BEM
457 at MBE
206 at OBE
695 (62%) of the recipients are people who have undertaken outstanding work in their communities either in a voluntary or paid capacity;
567 women are recognised in the List, representing 50% of the total (39% of recipients at CBE level and above are women);
15% of the successful candidates come from an ethnic minority background:
6.8% of recipients are from an Asian ethnic group;
4.2% of recipients are from a Black ethnic group;
3.3% of recipients with a mixed ethnic background;
0.7% of recipients come from another ethnic background;
9% of the successful candidates are disabled or have a long-term health condition;
17.3% of recipients considered themselves to come from a lower socio-economic background; and
5% of recipients are LGBT.

A further breakdown of the diversity statistics will be available at the new dedicated honours website honours.cabinetoffice.gov.uk which has been launched to improve accessibility, transparency and inclusivity of the honours system.

The full Queen’s Birthday Honours List 2021 can be found here.

National vaccination programme to include international students

International students are to be included in the national coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination programme.

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf has confirmed this will take place in line with guidelines from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) for the coming academic year (2021-22).

The move will both protect incoming students during their studies and prevent possible further transmission.

Mr Yousaf said: “There is a huge amount of work going on to ensure that everyone is able to get vaccinated. This is crucial to the success of the programme and our efforts to bring the virus under control.

“Based on the latest data, we estimate there could be around 65,000 international students studying in Scotland in the next academic year. I am pleased to confirm they will be included in our national vaccination programme.

“Of course many will be from countries where there is a mature vaccination system and they will already be fully or partially vaccinated. However, some may not yet have been vaccinated or may still require a second dose and we are currently working with the Universities and Colleges Scotland as well as local health boards to firm up plans for these students.

“We continue to urge everyone to take up their appointment for a vaccine when it is offered and remember the second dose offers greater and longer protection against the virus.”

Universities Scotland Director Alastair Sim said: “International students are an integral part of Scotland’s university community. As a part of that community, it’s absolutely vital that they have the same entitlement to a COVID-19 vaccination as other students and we welcome the clarity for international students that the Scottish Government has provided.

“Vaccination is the best route back to normality. For international students arriving in Scotland over the coming months, it is crucial that they know that they will receive all the help they require to stay safe during these uncertain times. Being eligible for a vaccine is an important part of that sense of security and wellbeing.”

Colleges Scotland Chief Executive Shona Struthers said: “We’re pleased to see the expansion of the vaccination programme to international students.

“Colleges welcome international students from around the world every year – we want them to feel safe and protected while they live and study in Scotland, and the community around them to be confident that students have had the opportunity to be vaccinated while they are in Scotland.”

“No-brainer”: £5 million to remobilise NHS dentists

£5 million to help meet safety standards and see more patients

Additional funding of up to £5 million is available to NHS dentists to help remobilise services as Scotland recovers from the coronavirus pandemic.

This new funding will help NHS dental practices to purchase, renew or upgrade ventilation equipment as improved ventilation in surgeries can substantially reduce the time between seeing patients, and offer dental teams the opportunity to see more patients safely.

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “The remobilisation of the NHS is one of our number one priorities and the Scottish Government remains committed to ensuring that NHS dental services emerge from this pandemic well-placed to care for the oral health of the population.

“This new funding is an important step in ensuring the continued remobilisation of NHS dental services and to ensure more patients can be seen safely. We will also continue to fund free PPE for the dental sector and, from July, we will increase it by up to 50 per cent.

“We are continuing to work with the sector to provide much-needed support to fully remobilise dental services.”

Funding will be available throughout this financial year, and will be distributed by NHS boards to those practices meeting the scheme’s conditions. Claims can be made for the period 1 April 2020 to 31 March 2022. Further details of the scheme and how to apply will be provided to the dental sector by separate circular issued by the office of the Chief Dental Officer.

The British Dental Association Scotland has welcomed confirmation the Scottish Government will allocate £5 million to help practices invest in ventilation equipment to increase patient volumes while meeting COVID restrictions.

The BDA first made the bid for financial support to improve ventilation to the Scottish Government in November. England is now the only UK nation not to have committed any capital funding for ventilation to help restore services.

Chief Dental Officer Tom Ferris has confirmed funds can be used to purchase, renew or upgrade ventilation systems, and practices can claim retrospectively for the period 1 April 2020 – 31 March 2022.

The BDA is awaiting details of the conditions applied to the scheme, but has expressed concern that it may not cover those practices who have already installed portable units or air cleaners (such as HEPA filters) when they were unable to improve ventilation by other means in the short term, following guidance from the Scottish Dental Clinical Effectiveness Programme (SDCEP).

Many in this position are based in sites unsuitable for major works, such as premises owned by health boards, in densely packed city centres with adjoining residential and commercial units, or in listed properties.

To meet strict guidelines on COVID transmission, dentists have had to leave surgeries fallow between most common procedures. Investment in ventilation ensures practices can reduce these gaps and increase patient throughput.

Restrictions have left practices operating at a fraction of their former capacity. Data from Public Health Scotland has shown a dramatic reduction in NHS dentistry delivered, which has hit those in most deprived communities the hardest. Between April and November 2020, the number of courses of treatment delivered was 83% lower than during the same period in 2019.

This week Scotland’s CDO joined colleagues from the other three UK nations to commit to reviewing current restrictions. [1] While the review may reduce the need for a fallow time longer-term, the BDA has stressed this investment is required to ‘future proof’ services in the advent of any future pandemic, to secure an immediate boost in access, and will prove cost-neutral through increased patient charge revenues.

David McColl, chair of the British Dental Association’s Scottish Dental Practice Committee said: “This is a no-brainer from the Scottish Government. Investment in ventilation can future proof Scotland’s dental services, boost patient numbers, and pay for itself.

“We must avoid half measures. Many dentists have had no option but to buy portable systems to get patients back through their doors. Ministers must ensure they do not lose out.

“For our patients’ sake, this needs to mark a turning point when it comes to providing ongoing support to practices. Access to services has fallen off a cliff. A signature policy on free dentistry for all will be a promise that can’t be kept unless we see real commitment from ministers.”

Born Free calls on the Scottish Government to instigate inquiry into animal deaths at Safari Park

International wildlife charity, Born Free, is calling for an immediate, independent investigation into the shocking revelations of a series of animal deaths at Blair Drummond Safari Park near Stirling in Scotland.

The circumstances around these deaths have come to light thanks to whistleblowers within the zoo itself.

Fatalities include:

two lionesses in 2016 who had to be euthanised as a result of injuries inflicted by a male lion due to alleged improper social grouping,

a hand-reared nilgai antelope who staff reportedly stated “shouldn’t have been [housed] with other males” and was left with internal organs protruding from an injury inflicted during an altercation with another male,
a lemur which was killed after escaping into the tiger enclosure in 2018
and a Barbary macaque who was mauled by lions in front of visitors in 2020 after escaping its enclosure.

Veterinarian Dr Mark Jones, Head of Policy at Born Free said, “Details of these shocking incidents, coming as they do just days after the killing of two brown bears at Whipsnade zoo who escaped their enclosure and injured a boar, once again call into serious question the ability of zoos in the UK to keep their animals safe.

“It seems the tragedies at Blair Drummond are indicative of systemic problems that have been ongoing for some years, but which the zoo inspection system has uncovered and failed to address.

“The fact the facility is a member of the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) doesn’t instil much confidence in BIAZA’s ability to ensure its own members are acting responsibly and transparently.

“We urge the Scottish Government to launch a fully independent, transparent and public investigation, and to share these findings with Westminster, and to develop requirements and inspection processes for zoos that will ensure these kinds of tragedies can never be repeated.”

Born Free says the events at Blair Drummond seem to be indicative of endemic problems at the Park dating back several years.

In their most recent local authority inspection in 2018, Blair Drummond scored ‘Yes’ for ‘Are there satisfactory measures in place to prevent the escape of animals?’ and ‘Are animals of social species normally maintained in compatible social groups?’

This highlights serious flaws in the current inspection process and raises the question of whether these issues would have ever come to light if it wasn’t for staff making their concerns known.

Born Free acknowledges the bravery and courage of the whistleblowers in bringing these serious animal welfare issues to light and encourages BIAZA to further develop its current whistleblowing policy so that staff in the zoo industry feel confident in reporting such issues in future without fear of victimization, discrimination or disadvantage.

BIAZA has launched an inquiry into the incidents. However, Born Free believes that the organisation is seriously conflicted and is calling for such an inquiry to be carried out by an independent body.

Born Free believe that the Scottish Government’s Animal Welfare team should initiate an immediate independent, transparent and public inquiry into the events at Blair Drummond.

They believe these events also raise fundamental concerns about the wider zoo industry and Born Free calls on the UK government to undertake a thorough review of zoo standards as a matter of urgency.

An open letter to Mairi Gougeon, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands, has been sent – see below:

Letter-to-Secretary-for-Rural-Affairs-and-Islands-re.-Blair-Drummond-Safari-Park Download

Further emergency funding for Culture Organisations and Performing Arts Venues

Today, Thursday 10 June 2021, Creative Scotland announces details of £25m additional emergency funds to help cultural organisations and venues prevent insolvency or significant job losses due to the ongoing impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

This funding was confirmed by the Scottish Government on 02 June.

£13m will be made available through a further round of Creative Scotland’s Culture Organisations and Venues Recovery Fund and £12m through a further round of the Performing Arts Venues Relief Fund.

Both funds will be open to previous recipients of funding from the first round who are in need of further emergency support and new applicants that were eligible for the first round who are now in need of emergency support.

Both funds will also include an option for urgent payment of a proportion of the emergency funding being applied for, to support any organisations who are at immediate risk of insolvency.

Full guidance is published today, the funds will open for applications on 17 June and close for applications on 24 June.

Any urgent emergency payments to mitigate risk of immediate insolvency will be made from 01 July, with further payments being made from the end of July, following full assessment.

Iain Munro, Creative Scotland Chief Executive said:“We very much welcome this much needed additional emergency funding to support Scotland’s cultural organisations and performing arts venues, who continue to deal with the challenge of closure or partial closure due to the ongoing impacts of the pandemic.

“Following confirmation from the Scottish Government on 02 June, everyone at Creative Scotland is working as quickly as possible to deliver this funding. As reflects the seriousness of the situation, this includes early payment of a proportion of funds to any organisation at immediate risk of insolvency.”

Jenny Gilruth, Culture Minister said:“The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the culture sector has been profound, and the Scottish Government is determined to support the sector and performing arts venues as they continue to deal with its consequences.

“Which is why I am pleased that this further £25 million of additional emergency funds will now be available to support cultural organisations and venues address their urgent and critical needs.”

£20 million boost for summer programme provision

Children and young people most impacted by Covid will be supported by £20 million to create opportunities to socialise, play and ‘reconnect’ this summer.

Councils will receive £15 million and up to £5 million has been allocated to a coalition of 18 national partners to further strengthen and build on existing summer provision in addition to what is usually on offer.

The support provided by councils will specifically target those aged up to 25 from low income households who may otherwise struggle to access such experiences during the holidays.

Education Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Scotland’s children and young people have experienced significant disruption to all aspects of their lives as a result of Covid-19, including their wellbeing; education and social connections. They have told us that their mental health was a primary concern as a result of the pandemic and that they need a range of activity to help them reconnect with their peers and friends.

“We have listened and taken action. The £20 million of funding will support children, young people, their families and carers to enjoy the summer. Through our partners – local authorities as well as our national organisations – the summer activity will focus on mental health and well-being of our children and young people whose lives have been impacted by Covid.”

Councillor Stephen McCabe, COSLA Children and Young People’s Spokesperson said: “Over the past year children and young people have shown such resilience as the pandemic has limited many of the activities and support usually open to them.

“We are pleased that this additional funding will allow local authorities to build on their own regular summer programmes for children and young people and boost opportunities for those who have faced the greatest challenges due to COVID-19.

“Councils will provide a range of activities depending on local needs and guided by what children and young people themselves say will make a difference.”

People in Lothians urged to take things at their own pace as restrictions ease

Almost half of Scots have found meeting up with others more overwhelming than expected

People in the Lothians are being encouraged to take things at their own pace as restrictions ease, as research reveals almost half of Scottish adults (43 per cent) who have met up with others have found it more overwhelming than expected.

The Scottish Government’s Clear Your Head campaign has been designed to help people look after their mental health as life gets busier, providing hints and tips to help those feeling nervous or overwhelmed.

With research showing over half of adults (55 per cent) in Scotland are still worried about the coronavirus situation, tips to help feel calmer include keeping active, staying connected with others, planning ahead before leaving the house, being around nature and taking deep breaths.

The campaign also signposts helplines for those who need to talk to someone about how they’re feeling, including NHS24, Breathing Space, SAMH and the Samaritans.

Principal Medical Officer, Dr Alastair Cook said: “As we gradually come out of lockdown and life gets busier, it’s important to continue to look after ourselves, and others. Each change brings another adjustment, and whilst many will welcome having more freedoms, feelings of worry are natural as we start to go out more.

“This survey indicates people are at different stages in their journey out of lockdown, and it’s encouraging to see many are taking things at their own pace. Simple steps such as mentally preparing yourself for meeting up with others, getting regular exercise, keeping in touch with friends and family and getting outside as the weather starts to improve can help you cope as things change.

“If you’re feeling anxious, try to limit the time you allow yourself to worry and take deep breaths if you start to feel overwhelmed. Remember that support is there if you need to talk to someone about how you’re feeling.”

Minister for Mental Wellbeing and Social Care Kevin Stewart, said: “We have lived with necessary restrictions on our lives to reduce the transmission of coronavirus for a long time now. As these restrictions ease, many people are understandably nervous or worried about the changes.

“We have all had to cope and adapt to control the virus and now we are having to cope and adapt to new freedoms. It is more important than ever to look after our mental health and wellbeing. This campaign highlights the things we can do to look after ourselves, and each other.”

To find other tips to help you cope, visit clearyourhead.scot

Rapid test kits rolled out to pharmacies

Community pharmacies across Scotland are extending access to rapid coronavirus (COVID-19) testing kits for people without COVID-19 symptoms.

The expansion, which began yesterday (Wednesday 9 June) is aimed at encouraging further uptake of testing among people with no symptoms and finding cases which would otherwise go undetected.

It builds on current efforts in place to improve access to rapid lateral flow devices (LFDs) for people without COVID-19 symptoms, by making it easier for people without access to digital services.

Free packs are available to be collected from participating pharmacies, with each containing seven devices which can provide results in around 30 minutes.

People with symptoms of COVID-19 should not enter pharmacies to collect self-test kits or use a LFD and must instead self-isolate immediately and book a PCR test at NHS Inform.

Heath Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “Testing has a vital role to play as we move safely out of lockdown and this rollout of testing kits to pharmacies for the public to drop in and pick up helps build on our strategy to tackle COVID-19.

“It would be a mistake to think that the successful delivery of the vaccination programme means testing becomes less important. The evidence suggests vaccination provides strong protection, but does not yet guarantee you can’t still get the virus and pass it on.

“Around one in three people with COVID-19 do not show any symptoms and rapid lateral flow testing is already helping us identify new cases. The ability to quickly identify new outbreaks and put appropriate measures in place will remain at the heart of our strategy to help break chains of transmission.

“Regular, rapid testing is already available to people in a wide range of settings, including schools and communities where rates remain high and everyone should access testing regularly.”

People can find out which pharmacies are taking part by going to NHS inform, following a link and entering their postcode.

Anyone with symptoms, such as a cough, fever or loss of taste or smell should self-isolate immediately and book a PCR (polymarese chain reaction) test.

Rapid LFD test kits, which can be used from home for people to test themselves twice-weekly, are already available for pick-up without an appointment from many local walk-in, or drive-through test sites, or by ordering online, or by phone.

Professor Harry McQuillan from Community Pharmacy Scotland said: “The community pharmacy network across Scotland provides access to NHS services close to people’s homes at the heart of our communities.

“This distribution service further enhances the ongoing testing programme and builds upon the community pharmacy teams role in supporting Scotland’s public health response to the Covid-19 pandemic.”

SNP MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Gordon MacDonald, has praised pharmacies across the city for helping to rollout rapid coronavirus (COVID-19) testing kits for people without COVID-19 symptoms.

The expansion which began yesterday (Wednesday 9 June) is aimed at encouraging further uptake of testing among people with no symptoms and finding cases which would otherwise go undetected.

This is building on current efforts to improve access to rapid lateral flow devices for people without COVID-19 symptoms, by making it easier for people without access to digital services.

Among the many pharmacies who have voluntarily signed up to participate in the expansion are Colinton Pharmacy, MacKinnon Pharmacy, Lloyds Pharmacy Wester Hailes, Lloyds Pharmacy Calder Road, Gate 55 Sighthill Road, Colinton Mains Pharmacy, Lindsay and Gilmour Chemist Juniper Green, Calder Pharmacy, Oxgangs Pharmacy and Boots Pharmacy Buckstone Terrace.

SNP MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Gordon MacDonald said: “This is very welcome news and I am sure will be a source of great help to so many people across the city.

“Rapid lateral flow testing is already helping to pick up news case so all efforts to increase LFDs will help even more. This, in turn, helps to identify new outbreaks and put in place mitigating measures to reduce transmission as quickly as possible.

“I would like to thank all the community pharmacies across Edinburgh Pentlands, and right across the city, who are participating in this rollout. Community pharmacies have, and continue to, play a key role in supporting Scotland’s public health response to the Covid-19 pandemic by providing access to NHS services close to people’s homes and lives.”

There are 1,258 community pharmacies across Scotland that are eligible to sign up for the service. Participation is voluntary and it is for pharmacy owners to opt-in to provide the service.