Pharmacists empowered to help more patients during COVID-19 outbreak. Community pharmacists are to perform an enhanced role during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
Good afternoon everybody, thank you for joining us today. If I can begin, today, with an update on case numbers.
Relaxation of charges to help with coronavirus pressures. A package of measures worth £60 million has been agreed between the Scottish Government and the water industry to help businesses facing difficulties with water charges during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
Local government will be responsible for enforcing regulations requiring those businesses asked to close on 20 March 2020, in new guidance issued on 22 March 2020. usinesses who do not follow COVID-19 restrictions will be issued with prohibition notices Businesses who fail to comply will receive fines and could also face the loss of their alcohol license There will be no upper limit to the fines of businesses who continue to ignore restrictions Local government will be responsible for enforcing regulations requiring those businesses asked to close on 20 March 2020, in new guidance issued today, 22 March 2020.
Patients with concerns about symptoms advised to dial 111 if they need help. Patients with coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms are now asked to dial NHS 24 on 111, day or night, if their symptoms worsen or do not improve after seven days.
People are being urged to use online services before turning to the telephone for help with their benefit claim. With a rise in new claims, and with demand for support over the phone increasing, the Department for Work and Pensions is taking unprecedented action to make sure people can get the support they need, including moving 10,000 existing staff to focus on processing new claims.
Scottish Government to meet increased costs. Councils have been asked to increase support for care at home, nursing homes and care homes to reduce delayed discharges and free up hospital beds.
NFU Scotland linking farms needing labour with those looking for employment due to coronavirus Scotland's farming union has launched a service to help Scottish fruit and vegetable growers recruit workers who have lost their jobs or are on unpaid leave due to coronavirus. For those businesses looking to recruit, there is a labour requirement form to complete and return to NFUS allowing details to be added to an interactive map of employment opportunities.
Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham has called on the UK Government to halt current Brexit negotiations to ensure all available resources can be put towards mitigating the effects of COVID-19 on the environment and rural economy. Ms Cunningham was speaking ahead of today's Inter-Ministerial Group for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs being hosted by the Scottish Government by video conference.
Request to notify the VMD if you are planning to send items through the post. As staff now work remotely, the VMD requests you notify them first if you are planning to send us anything by post.
Latest guidance about COVID-19 from NHS Scotland and the Scottish Government, including social distancing and stay at home advice can be found at http://nhsinform.scot/coronavirus If you've developed a new continuous cough and/or a fever/high temperature in the last 7 days, stay at home for 7 days from the start of your symptoms even if you think your symptoms are mild. Do not go to your GP, pharmacy or hospital.
The Chancellor has announced that the British Business Bank will manage the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) which is available from today, 23rd March 2020 an will initially run for 6 months. See https://www.british-business-bank.co.uk/ourpartners/coronavirus-business-interruption-loan-scheme-cbils/ Key Features: - Through this scheme businesses who are experiencing increased costs or lost or deferred revenues during the Covid-19 outbreak can apply for a new loan, overdraft, Invoice finance facility or asset finance of up to a maximum of £5m from their bank or through 40+ other accredited lenders.
A raft of new measures, including a helpline for the most in need of support, have been set out for those considered to be extremely vulnerable. Government urges up to 1.5 million people in England who face the highest risk of being hospitalised by the virus to shield themselves and stay at home.
Tourism Secretary angry about 'irresponsible behaviour'. Rural Economy and Tourism Secretary Fergus Ewing is urging people to stop travelling to the Highlands and Islands in a bid to avoid the Coronavirus.
Issued By Scotrail. Following the latest government update on COVID-19, we would like to reassure customers that everyone across Scotland's Railway is working flat out to provide transport for people delivering essential services.
Supporting drinks manufacturers to respond to Covid-19. Finance Secretary Kate Forbes has written to Chancellor Rishi Sunak calling for greater flexibility on alcohol tax and regulations for alcoholic drink manufacturers that are now looking to produce hand sanitiser in response to Covid-19.
Behaviour fuelling perception of food shortages. As increasing numbers of supermarkets and shops try to deal with the challenge of replenishing shelves in time to meet demand, the Scottish Government has asked consumers to shop considerately - in particular to ensure those in the frontline of dealing with COVID-19 are able to get the supplies they need.
Guidance available on Parent Club to help with impact of Covid-19. Advice for parents and carers on managing the impact of Covid-19 on their child's learning and family life is now available.
Sales and evictions halted during COVID-19 outbreak. Accountant in Bankruptcy (AiB) has suspended sale and eviction from property in ongoing bankruptcy administrations until further notice in response to the current COVID-19 pandemic.
Statement given by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon at a media briefing on Sunday 22 March 2020. Good afternoon I've called today’s briefing because I want to leave people in no doubt about how serious the situation we face is, and how vital it is that everyone - individuals and business - follows the advice that has been issued.
