National Updates

Strategic Framework

The Scottish Government has introduced a Strategic Framework for dealing with coronavirus.

The framework will apply from 6am on Monday 2^nd November.

The framework has five levels of restrictions that will apply in local authority areas depending on coronavirus risk.

Levels 0 and 1 are to be the closest we can get to normality, without a vaccine or effective treatment in place.

Levels 2 and 3 are for increased incidence of the virus, with multiple clusters and increased community transmission. Measures would be in place focusing on household mixing and would be intended to be in place for relatively short periods to get the virus under control

Level 4 is for very high or rapidly increasing incidence of the virus where there is a threat to NHS being able to cope. Measures would be close to a full lockdown and designed to be in place for a short period to quickly suppress the virus.

Each local authority has been placed in a level and levels will be reviewed weekly.

You can read the Strategic Framework here: https://www.gov.scot/publications/covid-19-scotlands-strategic-framework/

Shetland

Shetland has been placed in Level 1, although restrictions against indoor household visiting will continue to apply. This measure will be looked at ahead of the review on 10 November.

Some of the key Level 1 measures will be:  

Socialising

Currently no in-home socialising (to be reviewed on 10 November)

Hospitality

Indoors and outdoors

• 21:30 last entry
• 22:30 closed
• eating and drinking while seated at tables is required at all levels
• takeaways permitted for alcohol and food at all levels, as per existing arrangements

Travel

No non-essential travel to/from level 3 or higher areas in Scotland and equivalents in rest of UK

Exemptions for essential travel for work, education, shopping, health etc; outdoor exercise; weddings and funerals; and transit through restricted areas

International quarantine regulations apply

Life events

Weddings/civil partnerships – 20 person limit

Funerals – 20 person limit

Wakes and receptions permitted, subject to 20 person limit

Schools

Open – with standard protective measures in place

Colleges and Universities

Blended

You can read more about the measures here: https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-protection-levels/pages/protection-level-1/?fbclid=IwAR0fQ2D5LvU02jlb5fQUQ8bIjUvPB0XVELB-WgCTnGqjAXE9YfAdlnLwQ40

Face Covering Exemption Card

The Scottish Government has produced a face covering exemption card, to support those who are unable to wear one to feel more confident and safe when accessing public spaces and using public services.

The face covering exemption card is branded with the Healthier Scotland and NHS Scotland logos under the FACTS for a Safer Scotland campaign.

A physical card can be requested from Disability Equality Scotland to wear on a lanyard or hold in a wallet, while a digital card is also available to be displayed on a phone, tablet or other device.

Physical and digital cards are available to request online from 29 October at www.exempt.scot  or via a free helpline on 0800 121 6240.

British Red Cross

The British Red cross has a free coronavirus support line run by volunteers trained to support anyone who needs practical or emotional support from advice and guidance on food provision to support with loneliness.

The number is 0808 196 3651 and the line is open daily from 10am to 6pm.

More information on the support available from British Red Cross is available here: https://www.redcross.org.uk/about-us/what-we-do/coronavirus