New national restrictions in Scotland

[Journeyman]

If it was me I rather go, Scotland is slowly doing nothing for me, born here but now (unsure when) but I rather leave

I'm English married to a Scot, and I've been here eleven years. There's much I love about Scotland, but the constant independence-related grievances of the current government are so frustrating. The country feels like it's literally burning down around us, and the SNP simply refuse to do the job of dealing with it properly, always looking to blame someone else.

 

[kez19]

I'm English married to a Scot, and I've been here eleven years. There's much I love about Scotland, but the constant independence-related grievances of the current government are so frustrating. The country feels like it's literally burning down around us, and the SNP simply refuse to do the job of dealing with it properly, always looking to blame someone else.

That I agree with constant independence but for me what people fail to realise if Scotland did go independent do we really think the SNP would take charge? Of course not Westminster would be blamed again.

The problem is exactly that pass the buck anything devolved but still blow money on arty stuff than what we people really want

I’m just fed up now, I like Scotland (in a way) but it’s not the same now for me, just feels somethings changed and at times I feel no longer wanting to be here

 

[duncanp]

Here is a story from the Telegraph about the Scottish government retracting the vaccine plan that it published yesterday, after a backlash from UK ministers and vaccine manufacturers.

The Scottish government had been asked to keep the location of the vaccine distribution hubs a secret for security reasons, and not to reveal how many vaccine doses were going to be delivered, because that could prompt a backlash from countries with fewer doses ordered than the UK, which could potentially disrupt supplies in the future.

But no. Queen Nicola decided to spill the beans anyway in order to try and make her government look good, especially when compared with the rest of the UK.

Incidentally, I wonder if the Scottish government has paid for any of the vaccines it has received from its own resources, given that healthcare is a devolved matter in Scotland.

Access Restricted

The Scottish Government has been forced to retract its Covid-19 vaccine delivery plan following a major backlash from UK ministers and manufacturers.

Ministers in Westminster reacted furiously on Wednesday evening to the decision by the Scottish Government to publish its plan for deliveries, which has effectively revealed how many doses the UK is expecting.

The fallout has been compounded by Jeane Freeman, the Scottish health secretary, naming a vaccine storage facility. The Scottish Government has argued the name was already in the public domain.

The vaccine delivery schedule and storage locations have not been disclosed by the UK government, with ministers and officials warning the vaccine is a "valuable commodity" and therefore a security risk.

There is also concern disclosure will lead to vaccine manufacturers, such as Pfizer and AstraZeneca, facing backlash from countries that have not secured as good a deal as the UK.

On Tuesday, leaders of the three devolved administrations were warned to keep details of vaccine supplies secret.

Nicola Sturgeon confirmed the Scottish Government had been told, on a four nations call with the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Michael Gove, that supply numbers should not be revealed.

In the same briefing given to health chiefs, deputy chief medical officer in England, Jonathan Van Tam, said the diversion of vaccine supplies by manufacturers was “always a risk”, according to reports.

However, due to a Scottish Government document published online on Wednesday, it is possible to estimate approximately how many doses are being readied for UK distribution this month, as well as providing estimates all the way up to May.

The document has since been removed, but insiders have warned that the “damage has already been done.”

A UK Government source said: “The reason we didn't want to publish these figures was because everyone in the world wants these vaccines, and if other countries see how much we are getting they are likely to put pressure on the drug firms to give them some of our allocation."

Scottish Conservative health spokesman, Donald Cameron MSP, said: "This is the second serious error by SNP ministers in the space of 24 hours.

"Yesterday, the health secretary revealed a secret location that Scottish Government officials wanted to keep confidential. Now, they've had to pull a whole vaccination plan out of sheer incompetence.

"These mistakes potentially endanger supplies and risk impacting the rollout of the vaccine.”

The Telegraph has approached the Scottish Government for comment.

The decision forced Department for Health ministers and officials to scramble on Wednesday evening to contact vaccine manufacturers to try and reassure them.

Nadhim Zahawi, the vaccines minister, is understood to have contacted Pascal Soriot, the chief executive of AstraZeneca, to try and contain the fallout.

Whitehall sources have insisted the UK has a clear delivery schedule in place, meaning the Scottish Government’s actions did not risk jeopardising future supplies.

Matt Hancock, the Health Secretary, has been urged to contact Jeane Freeman after she publicly named the location of the storage facility.

Following her comments, the Scottish Government admitted the facility had not been “publicly identified as part of the security protocols around Covid-19 vaccine distribution and therefore should not be reported.”

But it later changed its position and, in a statement to the Scottish Sun, a spokesman said the location was "already in the public domain" and the name of the distribution agent was also "widely known".

"That is why the Health Secretary included it in an exchange in parliament this afternoon as part of her commitment to sharing with MSPs all available detail about our vaccination programme.

"We suggested the location should not be named following a background briefing for media as we were following advice to avoid naming vaccine holding centres in hospitals in Scotland.

"We took the same approach with other distributors, but this was overly cautious."

 

[kez19]

Here is a story from the Telegraph about the Scottish government retracting the vaccine plan that it published yesterday, after a backlash from UK ministers and vaccine manufacturers.

The Scottish government had been asked to keep the location of the vaccine distribution hubs a secret for security reasons, and not to reveal how many vaccine doses were going to be delivered, because that could prompt a backlash from countries with fewer doses ordered than the UK, which could potentially disrupt supplies in the future.

But no. Queen Nicola decided to spill the beans anyway in order to try and make her government look good, especially when compared with the rest of the UK.

Incidentally, I wonder if the Scottish government has paid for any of the vaccines it has received from its own resources, given that healthcare is a devolved matter in Scotland.

Access Restricted

For me they do forget about karma, something in the not too distant future will bite them back, still though isn’t it surprising that had this been with a European country the quite possible fallout would be huge

 

[Andyh82]

It's enormously frustrating, isn't it? I got an email from an English friend last night who was asking me if it's a good idea to move here. I had to be honest and said no, I don't think it is. The SNP have a far, far better reputation than they deserve.

In England, the SNP and Sturgeon have high approval ratings

I’m guessing it’s because there is never any kick back on any of her restrictions in the national media, so it all looks like it’s running smoothly.

Boris will announce something, you’ll get news reports about how it’s too much, how it’s too little, how it’s effecting the economy, how it’s a farce one side of the street has different rules than the other side, or how you can buy a pint at 9:59 but not at 10:00 etc etc. Piers Morgan will rant and rave, comedians will make jokes, the media will whip up confusion.

Then Sturgeon comes in and brings in tougher restrictions that will also wreck the economy or that also has rules that are ripe for a comedy gag, and it’s just news in brief that’s barely noticed. Same goes for Wales. Of Boris had taped off books in supermarkets we’d never have heard the end of it.

 

[kez19]

In England, the SNP and Sturgeon have high approval ratings

I’m guessing it’s because there is never any kick back on any of her restrictions in the national media, so it all looks like it’s running smoothly.

Boris will announce something, you’ll get news reports about how it’s too much, how it’s too little, how it’s effecting the economy, how it’s a farce one side of the street has different rules than the other side, or how you can buy a pint at 9:59 but not at 10:00 etc etc. Piers Morgan will rant and rave, comedians will make jokes, the media will whip up confusion.

Then Sturgeon comes in and brings in tougher restrictions that will also wreck the economy or that also has rules that are ripe for a comedy gag, and it’s just news in brief that’s barely noticed. Same goes for Wales. Of Boris had taped off books in supermarkets we’d never have heard the end of it.

Bang on exactly!

Any faults of Boris ripped but when it comes to Sturgeon media fawn on her can’t do no wrong!

I think both uk and Scottish media fall over Sturgeon no matter but because Boris is a Tory it’s gets the media frothing over all the wrongs

 

[RomeoCharlie71]

Lockdown to be extended and schools to remain closed until at least mid-February: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-55718133

Scotland's Covid-19 lockdown has been extended until at least the middle of February, with most school pupils to continue learning from home.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon told MSPs that transmission of the virus appeared to be declining but was still too high to ease restrictions.

But she hopes schools will be able to at least begin a phased return to the classroom in the middle of next month.

The level four restrictions have been in place since Boxing Day.

The Isle of Barra will also move to level 4 as a result of a covid-outbreak.

 

[Journeyman]

Sadly not surprising.

 

[Scotrail12]

Lockdown to be extended and schools to remain closed until at least mid-February: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-55718133

The Isle of Barra will also move to level 4 as a result of a covid-outbreak.

No surprise there...

I do think schools will go back at least part time in mid Feb though.

 

[Scotrail314209]

I see why they have moved the Isle of Barra to Level 4. An outbreak in such a sparsely populated place with minimal access to the healthcare that we have in the Central Belt could be devastating.

 

[Huntergreed]

Said on bbc Scotland it’s a “legal requirement” to stay at home in Scotland after a positive test or a close contact identification. I was aware this was mandated in England but I didn’t know this was now also law in Scotland, when did this change??

 

[takno]

Said on bbc Scotland it’s a “legal requirement” to stay at home in Scotland after a positive test or a close contact identification. I was aware this was mandated in England but I didn’t know this was now also law in Scotland, when did this change??

From the MP case and a few others it sounds like the police are classing it as reckless endangerment. That's been on the books since the middle ages.

 

[kez19]

Did anyone see the new ad about vaccinated and getting back to normal?

I’ll take it with a pinch of salt...for now

Vaccination is our best way out of coronavirus. When it's time to roll up your sleeve, please do so. Find out more

http://nhsinform.scot/covid19vaccine

 

[RomeoCharlie71]

I have very unfortunately just stumbled across this article. To be honest, I doubt it'll come to fruition given the costs and environmental effects of medical grade masks. The more mainstream media channels (BBC, STV, etc) didn't seem to make a big deal of it either as I've only just come across it now.

Shoppers could soon have to wear 'medical-grade' masks in Scotland

John Swinney, Scotland's Deputy First Minister, said the policy was being “actively explored” by ministers.

inews.co.uk

People in Scotland might soon have to wear medical-grade face masks while shopping or on public transport, rather than the less protective alternatives allowed under current rules.

John Swinney, the Deputy First Minister, said the policy was being “actively explored” by the Scottish Government in response to the more infectious coronavirus variant.

[...]

Asked about the development, Mr Swinney said the same issue was being “looked at” by ministers with a view to introducing a similar policy to Germany.

“We’ve got to make sure that we take the most effective measures to suppress the virus [and] to be advised about the clinical value of particular steps to take,” he told the BBC.

“That’s always been the basis of the decisions that we have arrived at as a government.

“The question that you raise about the higher grade face covering is one that’s being actively explored within government today.”

[...]

Holyrood’s opposition parties said ministers should publish the scientific evidence underpinning any changes to the rules on wearing face coverings in public.

Scottish Labour’s interim leader Jackie Baillie said: “This would be a significant new development in government guidance that should be backed by evidence.

“In the meantime, frontline health and social care staff have been calling for improved PPE and have yet to receive it.

“Given the transmission rates for Covid-19 in hospital, perhaps the Scottish Government could make this a priority to keep people safe.”

Now whilst the DFM didn't stipulate which type of medical-grade mask, I would assume it's FFP or FFP2 being considered, both of which aren't reusable, are expensive and are designed to be used by suitably trained professionals who have vast knowledge in infection control measures. That's not the general public.

I could perhaps understand it if they were mandatory in hospitals with medical staff on-hand to ensure people are wearing them correctly.

 

[kez19]

I have very unfortunately just stumbled across this article. To be honest, I doubt it'll come to fruition given the costs and environmental effects of medical grade masks. The more mainstream media channels (BBC, STV, etc) didn't seem to make a big deal of it either as I've only just come across it now.

Shoppers could soon have to wear 'medical-grade' masks in Scotland

John Swinney, Scotland's Deputy First Minister, said the policy was being “actively explored” by ministers.

inews.co.uk

Now whilst the DFM didn't stipulate which type of medical-grade mask, I would assume it's FFP or FFP2 being considered, both of which aren't reusable, are expensive and are designed to be used by suitably trained professionals who have vast knowledge in infection control measures. That's not the general public.

They can stick that for starters!, weren’t we told last year they were useless?

So the public spend more on masks once more, no wonder I think some of this is about making money elsewhere yet it’s a pandemic

 

[takno]

I have very unfortunately just stumbled across this article. To be honest, I doubt it'll come to fruition given the costs and environmental effects of medical grade masks. The more mainstream media channels (BBC, STV, etc) didn't seem to make a big deal of it either as I've only just come across it now.

Shoppers could soon have to wear 'medical-grade' masks in Scotland

John Swinney, Scotland's Deputy First Minister, said the policy was being “actively explored” by ministers.

inews.co.uk

Now whilst the DFM didn't stipulate which type of medical-grade mask, I would assume it's FFP or FFP2 being considered, both of which aren't reusable, are expensive and are designed to be used by suitably trained professionals who have vast knowledge in infection control measures. That's not the general public.

I could perhaps understand it if they were mandatory in hospitals with medical staff on-hand to ensure people are wearing them correctly.

He was wearing a particularly limp-looking cloth mask when he made the announcement, so I suspect they aren't about to up and announce the change tomorrow or anything. What you can guarantee is that if they suddenly start mandating them in large parts of Europe then they are going to run out. Making sure that doesn't happen means that you really need a week or two of lead time on the policy, and they're likely to look pretty silly adding new measures at that point with the numbers falling

 

[Mojo]

Could it even be as simple as a Type IIR mask? My company claims they offer enhanced protection and may even protect the wearer somewhat.

 

[Ian Cunningham]

I have very unfortunately just stumbled across this article. To be honest, I doubt it'll come to fruition given the costs and environmental effects of medical grade masks. The more mainstream media channels (BBC, STV, etc) didn't seem to make a big deal of it either as I've only just come across it now.

Shoppers could soon have to wear 'medical-grade' masks in Scotland

John Swinney, Scotland's Deputy First Minister, said the policy was being “actively explored” by ministers.

inews.co.uk

Now whilst the DFM didn't stipulate which type of medical-grade mask, I would assume it's FFP or FFP2 being considered, both of which aren't reusable, are expensive and are designed to be used by suitably trained professionals who have vast knowledge in infection control measures. That's not the general public.

I could perhaps understand it if they were mandatory in hospitals with medical staff on-hand to ensure people are wearing them correctly.

If it came to anything I expect it would be IIR surgical masks not FFP2 or FFP3.

It's what NHS staff use in non-covid environments and what a lot of folk are already using (they are also MUCH cheaper than FFP masks - about 20p each)

 

[RomeoCharlie71]

It's what NHS staff use in non-covid environments and what a lot of folk are already using (they are also MUCH cheaper than FFP masks - about 20p each)

Ok, so still more expensive than a reusable mask (I have been using the same one since July which costs me around £3.50) and more environmentally damaging due to their plastic contents. I'm not sure where you're picking them up for 20p each, though, as most places I've seen are priced at around £4 or £5 for a pack of 10. They are also not reusable.

But of course that doesn't matter as it's not the deadly virus.

 

[DB]

“We’ve got to make sure that we take the most effective measures to suppress the virus [and] to be advised about the clinical value of particular steps to take,” he told the BBC.

“That’s always been the basis of the decisions that we have arrived at as a government.

Err, right.

Given that there's no evidence that masks reduce infections outside medical settings this is nonsense. As for the second statement, that's even more nonsense - most of the measures, be it masks, one-way systems, lockdowns, are lacking in hard evidence to back up their claimed effectiveness.

Still, at least opposition parties are asking to see the evidence - that wouldn't happen in Westminster.

 

[takno]

Err, right.

Given that there's no evidence that masks reduce infections outside medical settings this is nonsense. As for the second statement, that's even more nonsense - most of the measures, be it masks, one-way systems, lockdowns, are lacking in hard evidence to back up their claimed effectiveness.

Still, at least opposition parties are asking to see the evidence - that wouldn't happen in Westminster.

It's the standard Labour line in Scotland. I think Labour have taken to using it in England as well. Sturgeon never turns any evidence up at all of course.

 

[kez19]

It's the standard Labour line in Scotland. I think Labour have taken to using it in England as well. Sturgeon never turns any evidence up at all of course.

Yet on the other the media fail to take them to task!

 

[devon_metro]

All that will happen is people will reuse these surgical masks (I would). I'm not spending anything more than I need to to spend 10 minutes in a supermarket. Fortunately I don't need to spend any time on public transport. This will of course be more counter productive as currently I can wash the cloth mask.

 

[Ediswan]

I aleady have an FFP1 mask. Who can spot the difference between that and FFP2 ?

 

[Cdd89]

This would be so nutty. Reusable masks are the only thing that stop us seeing so many disgusting masks lying around all over the street (and we see plenty of those even with them as a minority!).

 

[XAM2175]

Use of FFP2 masks has been mandatory in shops and on public transport has been mandatory in Bavaria since last week, so it's not entirely unprecedented.

Bavaria mandates FFP2 masks, nation may follow

Germany was mulling tougher anti-pandemic measures as authorities in Bavaria ordered highly protective FFP2 masks to be worn in shops and on public transport.

www.dw.com

 

[RomeoCharlie71]

Use of FFP2 masks has been mandatory in shops and on public transport has been mandatory in Bavaria since last week, so it's not entirely unprecedented.

Bavaria mandates FFP2 masks, nation may follow

Germany was mulling tougher anti-pandemic measures as authorities in Bavaria ordered highly protective FFP2 masks to be worn in shops and on public transport.

www.dw.com

I suppose one good thing is that they're providing vouchers to eligible people (presumably low income) to compensate for the cost.

 

[takno]

I suppose one good thing is that they're providing vouchers to eligible people (presumably low income) to compensate for the cost.

No, they're providing vouchers to the clinically vulnerable. That's a sensible policy if we weren't all playing this absurd game of "my mask protects you, because, you know, no science". Unfortunately they are expecting everybody to wear them, apparently without financial support for the non-vulnerable poor.

 

[RomeoCharlie71]

No, they're providing vouchers to the clinically vulnerable. That's a sensible policy if we weren't all playing this absurd game of "my mask protects you, because, you know, no science". Unfortunately they are expecting everybody to wear them, apparently without financial support for the non-vulnerable poor.

Oh yeah, oops. I shouldn't read these sorts of articles 5 minutes before going to bed!

 

[Islineclear3_1]

Haven't yet heard this one...only the Wail...

NHS trusts urge people to 'walk like penguins' through the snow

With yet more freezing temperatures expected in the UK today, NHS trusts have issued an odd edict urging members of the public to 'walk like penguins' in order to avoid falls in the snow.

www.dailymail.co.uk

People in Scotland have been urged to 'walk like a penguin' in order to avoid falling over on pavements covered in snow or ice.

As Britain continues to brace through the current cold snap, and with yet more freezing temperatures expected today, NHS trusts have issued the odd edict, which instructs people to keep their weight over their front leg as they walk.

One trust to share the advice, NHS Lothian, says that by 'walking like a penguin' people can prevent injuries and hospital trips from 'avoidable accidents in the ice and snow'.