NEXT WEEK
The First Minister is to make an announcement next week on the easing of the lockdown in Scotland. We will endeavour to keep you informed of any changes.
THE PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH CONSEQUENCES OF THE LOCKDOWN
Willie spoke in the Scottish Parliamentary debate on the pandemic. He highlighted the need to consider the wider consequences of the lockdown on people’s physical and mental health.
GOING OUT ADVICE CHANGE
People in Scotland can now go outside more than once a day to exercise. This activity should continue to be undertaken close to home. Those going out to exercise should either go alone or with members of their household. The change does not allow people to mix with people from different households, to gather in groups, or to go out to relax outdoors. The changed is based on evidence from the UK Government’s scientific advisers SAGE regarding outdoor transmission which found the risk seems to be significantly lower than indoors.
PREPARING TO EASE THE LOCKDOWN
In an exchange with the First Minister, Willie asked about the divergence of the approach north and south of the border and also what easing the lockdown in Scotland will look like.
Wendy questioned the Chancellor in the House of Commons about the plight of seasonal workers in North East Fife including golf caddies.
FIFE CARE HOME STAFF TESTING
This is a statement from the health and social care partnership in Fife.
The testing programme covers all staff working in health and social care across Fife, including those in private sector care homes, and is regularly updated to ensure it reflects current guidance.
There has been regular communication with all care homes encouraging their staff to be tested. Care home managers can put their staff forward for testing and they are not aware of any care homes that have been denied access to testing.
In addition to testing symptomatic care home staff, all consenting staff and residents, where covid-19 is known to be present in a care home, are offered testing whether they display symptoms or not.
To make testing as accessible as possible, a staff mobile testing unit has been established to supplement the drive-through testing facility at Cameron Hospital.
Enhanced support for care homes is being provided through the recently set up Care Home Oversight Group and a new care home support team to oversee the provision of additional resources such as personal protective equipment (PPE), provide rapid testing where it is needed and offer expert guidance and support to Fife’s care homes.
CARE HOME TESTING
Willie asked the Health Secretary about ensuring every new care home resident who enters from the community is tested first.
TAYPORT GARDEN
The community garden (PLANT) has been awarded a further 3 years funding from the Climate Challenge Fund. They now have 'how to do it ' video blogs and live webinars on the website. On Sunday 31st May 2pm to 4 pm they will be handing out young crop plants which people can plant with children in the garden or a window box. https://tayportgarden.org/2020/05/13/growing-edible-perennials/
RECYCLING CENTRES
The Scottish Government has indicated that recycling centres may be able to open soon, but we don't yet have a date.
FIFE BUSINESS SUPPORT
4,733 businesses have applied to the business support fund, with 3,297 applications approved, representing a total awards value of some £37.5m.
The Scottish Government has now extended the small business grants scheme to premises which qualified for charitable or sports rates relief. Charities occupying these properties can now receive small business grants.
The hardship relief fund for the self-employed has had 324 people apply, with 265 paid out.
Staff are continuing to work seven days a week to process these applications.
BEREAVEMENT
The ability to offer webcasting of funeral services is now available. This enables live streaming of services as well as making recordings available for a short time.
DENTAL SERVICES
This video outlines how those with dental issues are able to access the most appropriate treatment and highlights that there are six urgent care centres operating throughout Fife for those who have an urgent issue.
NATIONAL WELLBEING CENTRE
New information, resources and support is available to help you at work and at home. The resources are based on the principles of psychological first aid. It provides advice and support for your practical, everyday needs and relationships, as well as tips on self-care, to help you cope with the challenges you’re facing during the pandemic. https://www.promis.scot/individuals/
WATER CHARGES
The Water Industry Commission for Scotland has announced a scheme that will provide at least £50 million of support to businesses and organisations. The scheme ensures that business customers impacted by the crisis receive bills that more accurately reflect their current use of water and waste water services. In addition, unmetered and smaller businesses are eligible for a 60% deferral of their wholesale fixed charges backdated to 24 March 2020. The scheme also allows those business customers who prepaid water and sewerage charges to their licensed providers to request a refund. Smaller customers receiving a refund are also eligible to apply for a deferral of their fixed wholesale charges. https://www.watercommission.co.uk/view_Coranavirus.aspx
If you would like to make ear guards for face masks for Fife's carers please follow this guide. Post them to Jaquie Stringer, Service Manager, Fife Council, Rothesay House, Glenrothes. KY7 5PQ.
TRAINS
Willie met with Scotrail this week. The Scottish Government advise that rail travel should be for essential purposes only. Scotrail, the government, the trade unions and passenger groups are preparing for an easing of the lockdown at some point. They have issued this advice for passengers for when that happens.
WELCOME TO OUR FARM
Lindores farm have taken part in ‘Welcome to Our Farm’ on Go Rural Scotland’s Facebook Page. This is a project supported by VisitScotland.
COMMUNITY MUTUAL AID
These are the links to their Facebook groups and websites. If you need help with groceries, medicine collection etc please contact them.
Please do let me know whether you are running a group in your community.
SUPPORT AND ADVICE
This is an anxious and uncertain time but we wanted you to know that Wendy Chamberlain MP, Willie Rennie MSP our local councillors are ready to help in whatever way that we can.
