895 new cases of COVID-19 reported. 17,940 new tests for COVID-19 that reported results - 5.9% of these were positive.
From 15 February anyone travelling to the UK from a country on the UK's travel ban list will be required to quarantine in a government-approved facility for 10 days. Managed Quarantine Facilities to come into effect from 15 February.
NHS Highland is delighted to announce that local Caithness firm GMR Henderson has been awarded the construction contract to refurbish the Queen Elizabeth West Wing at Caithness General Hospital to create a new Community Midwifery Unit. The new facility will have its own independent entrance and will include a birthing unit, outpatient clinic rooms and scanning room, providing a one-stop shop for women and their babies for antenatal, intrapartum and postnatal care.
Chair of Chair, Economy and Infrastructure Committee comments on Scottish Government's funding for Wick John O'Groats Airport Following representations made by The Highland Council, the Scottish Government has proposed that up to £4 million will be made available to the Council over the next four financial years to bring back scheduled services at Wick John O'Groats Airport. The Scottish Government have suggested that the Council be the lead partner in setting the specification for the services to be provided in consultation with local communities and businesses.
895 new cases of COVID-19 reported 21,943 new tests for COVID-19 that reported results - 4.9% of these were positive. 61 new reported death(s) of people who have tested positive.
The Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) sets monetary policy to meet the 2% inflation target, and in a way that helps to sustain growth and employment. At its meeting ending on 3 February 2021, the Committee judged that the existing stance of monetary policy remains appropriate.
Vision to transform heating in Scotland's buildings published. Plans to ensure all buildings in Scotland are warmer, more efficient and reach zero emissions by 2045 have been launched.
MoneySavingExpert.com founder Martin Lewis has urged households on standard tariffs to compare prices now. His warning comes as it's been revealed this morning that energy bills will rise by a typical £96/year for 11 million households in April.
Brexit and independence together to shrink Scottish economy by 6% to 9%. Rejoining the EU would not offset the costs of independence.
If there's one coronavirus mutation that keeps scientists awake at night, it's E484K. The mutation was found in both the South African variant (B1351) and the Brazilian variant (P1), but not in the UK variant (B117).
The study will examine whether different vaccines can safely be used for 2-dose regimes in the future. Clinical trial looking into alternating COVID-19 vaccine doses launched today in the UK.
Problems for Scottish companies ‘multiplying' in first four weeks. The scale of the damage caused to Scottish businesses as a result of the UK Government’s Brexit deal has been set out by Europe and External Affairs Secretary Michael Russell.
Significant milestone reached as almost 1 in 5 adults in the UK get the vaccine. More than 10 million people in the UK have received their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, marking a significant milestone for the largest vaccination programme in British history.
Members of The Highland Council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee have welcomed the opportunity to review progress of the Inverness and Highland City Region Deal which continues to play a pivotal role in delivering significant investment through a variety of ground-breaking projects. The Inverness and Highland City Region deal is a joint initiative supported by up to £315m investment from the UK and Scottish governments, The Highland Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and University of the Highlands and Islands, aimed at stimulating sustainable regional economic growth over a 10-year period.
The latest round of the Energy Entrepreneurs Fund (EEF) seeks to drive forward new clean technologies across all sectors of UK industry. £11 million government funding for UK's energy entrepreneurs to turn ideas into clean, green technologies that eliminate carbon emissions.
Doctors are urging employers to plan for the effects of Long COVID now as cases continue to grow. Without planning how to manage the condition in advance, employers risk being left with big staffing problems.
Managing transition out of the furlough scheme will be key to keeping down unemployment The number of employees on the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (JRS) increased by 1.7 million between the end of October and mid-November to 4.1 million, according to new HMRC data, while furloughing rates only fell slightly to 3.8 million in December even as restrictions eased, the Resolution Foundation last week. The data illustrates just how vital the JRS has been in protecting incomes during the crisis.
Members of The Highland Council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee have approved a new discretionary grant scheme to mitigate some of the short-term financial challenges being experienced by businesses adversely impacted by restrictions and regulations introduced since October to control the spread of COVID-19. In recognition of the significant financial hardships and risks for businesses as a result of COVID-19 protective measures, the Scottish Government has made available a range of grants to businesses which are being delivered by The Highland Council, including a new discretionary grant of up to £1,525,924.
A total of £3 million has been given to NHS boards to increase provision of residential drug rehabilitation placements and improve access to treatment and harm reduction services. The funding is part of the £5 million support package announced by the First Minister last month to ensure immediate action on improving drugs services before the end of this financial year.
FORT WILLIAM, Dingwall & Highland Marts, (February, 4th) sold 495 sheep of all classes. Lambs (276) sold to £90 gross for a Texel cross from 19 Blarmafoldach, Fort William.
