Friday 20 March
We are facing a very uncertain time with the outbreak of Covid-19 and we all have our part to play. Responding to the coronavirus pandemic is a matter of the greatest national importance and the scale of the challenge in front of us all is truly without precedent.
Can I take this opportunity to encourage everyone to follow all guidance issued by the Scottish Government regarding Covid-19 and the measures we can all take to safeguard and support ourselves, family, friends and the wider community.
The Scottish Government has made several statements this week in response to the situation to offer guidance, support and reassurance in these unprecedented times.
The situation is changing rapidly and I wanted to let you know that although I have cancelled all face to face surgeries and meetings and closed the constituency office you can contact me either by email at Sandra.White.msp@parliament.scot or telephone on 0141 339 7693 and 0131 348 5688.
I have set out some key primary sources of advice and guidance below, and would encourage you to keep checking these websites, to keep up to date with any changes:
Scottish Government
Coronavirus in Scotland
https://www.gov.scot/coronavirus-covid-19/
NHS Inform
Latest guidance about COVID-19 from NHS Scotland:
https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/coronavirus-covid-19
Health, welfare and social security
NHS Inform
Information for the public in Scotland regarding the symptoms of Coronavirus (COVID-19) and the recommended steps people should take if they suspect they have the virus.
https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/coronavirus-covid-19
Scottish Government £350 million fund to support welfare and wellbeing
Helping communities affected by COVID-19 (councils, charities, businesses and community groups)
https://www.gov.scot/news/helping-communities-affected-by-covid-19/
Age Scotland
Advice for older people and their families on how to avoid exposure to the virus.
https://www.ageuk.org.uk/scotland/information-advice/health-and-wellbeing/coronavirus/
Health Protection Scotland
Guidance for healthcare professionals in Scotland. Health Protection Scotland has issued a range of guidance documents on COVID-19. Including guidance on the management of patients presenting to primary care:
https://www.hps.scot.nhs.uk/a-to-z-of-topics/covid-19/
World Health Organization (WHO)
Rolling global update:
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/events-as-they-happen
Care Inspectorate
Registration and regulation of all care services (including childcare services)
https://www.careinspectorate.com/index.php/coronavirus-professionals
Scottish Social Services Council
Regulator and register of social care staff
British Dental Association
Live updates: Coronavirus and dentistry
https://bda.org/advice/Coronavirus/Pages/latest-updates.aspx
Business and employment
Scottish Government Helpline
Helpline providing businesses across Scotland with advice and guidance on Coronavirus (COVID-19):
https://www.gov.scot/news/covid-19-helpline-for-scottish-businesses/
Business Gateway
Help for business owners and their employees to find information on how to deal with concerns about coronavirus in the workplace:
https://www.bgateway.com/news/guidance-for-business-owners-in-scotland-on-coronavirus-covid-19
Business Support in Scotland
FindBusinessSupport.gov.scot is a partnership service. A specific coronavirus business continuity page is available at: https://findbusinesssupport.gov.scot/coronavirus-advice/
Scottish Government workplace advice in non-healthcare settings
Workplace advice in non-healthcare settings, including tips that apply to people working in hotels and hospitality, leisure facilities, entertainment venues and premises used by community groups.
https://news.gov.scot/news/workplace-advice-contained-in-new-coronavirus-guidance
UK Government Guidance for Employees
UK Government Guidance for Employers (and businesses)
House of Commons blog on employment rights:
Citizens Advice Scotland has advice for self-employed people: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/scotland/health/coronavirus-what-it-means-for-you/
Housing
The Scottish Housing Regulator regulates to protect the interests of people who receive the services of social landlords as well as protect the interests of tenants, people who are homeless, and others who use social landlords’ services. It has made changes to its regulatory approach in response to Coronavirus (COVID-19):
Money Advice Service
Information on how mortgage payment holidays work and the circumstances in which you might be granted one: https://www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/mortgage-payment-holidays
Education
Scottish Government
Coronavirus (COVID19) and impact on education
https://www.gov.scot/publications/statement-covid19-managing-impacts-scottish-education/
Scottish Qualifications Authority
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and impact on August 2020 certification:
Scottish Courts & Tribunals Service
Advice on business changes:
Crown Office & Procurator Fiscal Service
Information for those due to attend court:
Scottish Prison Service
Advice for Prison visitors:
http://www.sps.gov.uk/Corporate/News/News-6838.aspx
Energy Saving Trust
Advice for home heating and energy use by people staying home to work or to avoid picking up the coronavirus:
British Retail Consortium
The BRC have produced a ‘Coronovirus Hub’ to provide operational guidance on issues like HR, competition law and cash flow:
http://brc.org.uk/coronavirus/
Transport Scotland
Information on Coronavirus (COVID-19) impact on transport:
https://www.transport.gov.scot/our-approach/coronavirus-covid-19/
UK Government Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Guidance for British people travelling and living overseas during Coronavirus (COVID-19):
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-advice-novel-coronavirus
National Travel Health Network and Centre
General advice on preparing for foreign travel and how everyone can reduce the spread of respiratory viruses during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak:
https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/news/499/novel-coronavirus-covid-19-general-advice-for-travellers
NHS Fit for Travel
Information on how to stay safe and healthy abroad:
https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/advice/disease-prevention-advice/coronavirus-disease-covid-19
Traveline Scotland
Information on public transport in Scotland https://www.travelinescotland.com/coronavirus
Finally I would like to say a huge thank you to our keyworkers who are and will continue to be under extreme pressure for the foreseeable future. We face a shared national challenge – and we will need a collective national endeavour to meet it. We all have a part to play
