Following localised lockdowns in Aberdeen and now in the west of Scotland, Willie asked for assurances that the Test and Protect system is up to the job and that they have the virus under control.
ENVIRONMENTAL DISCUSSION
Willie is holding a discussion over zoom for residents of North East Fife to discuss concerns over climate change and the environment in advance of the Citizens Assembly on Climate Change.
It will be at 2pm on Monday 7th September. Places are limited so if you would like to join please email willie.rennie.msp@parliament.scot with your name and address. An agenda will be sent out shortly before the meeting.
CARE HOME VISITS
Professional health and social care services will be able to resume visits. Throughout the pandemic these non-essential visits had been paused. From Monday 7th September care homes can resume face-to-face care from a wide range of health and social care professionals, including podiatrists, physiotherapists, optometrists, dentists, social workers and mental health and disability specialists. Activity in indoor communal areas – for example lounges and dining areas – can resume safely too. https://www.gov.scot/news/health-and-well-being-visits-to-care-homes-to-resume/
QUARANTINE
Portugal and French Polynesia are being removed from the quarantine exemption list. If returning from these locations after 4am tomorrow (Saturday) you will be required to self-isolate at home, or another specified address, for 14 days on arrival in Scotland. Greece was also removed earlier this week. The arrangement is for the whole of these countries unlike the Welsh Government which has adopted a regional approach. https://www.gov.scot/news/further-quarantine-measures-introduced-for-travellers/
CHILDCARE
New support is available for the childcare sector to help pay for increased cleaning, new or additional equipment, better outdoor spaces or adaptations to buildings. https://www.gov.scot/news/help-for-childcare-providers/
UNIVERSITY AND COLLEGE ACCOMMODATION GUIDANCE
There is revised guidance for colleges, universities and student accommodation providers. It did not include measures to test all international students on arrival as Willie has repeatedly called for. https://www.gov.scot/news/safe-return-to-campuses/
RECYCLING CENTRES
Most of recycling centres are now accepting more materials. All recycling centres, except Cupar, accept mattresses and carpets. Ladybank (Lower Melville) now accepts soil and rubble.
Book an appointment www.fife.gov.uk/recyclingcentres
NEW POST FOR WENDY
Following the election of Ed Davey as Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Wendy has been appointed as the Party's Work and Pensions Spokesperson and Chief Whip.
ST. ANDREWS UNIVERSITY DEBATE
Willie joined former MP Professor Stephen Gethins and former Rector Catherine Stihler in a debate on whether life will ever be the same again. Watch it here... https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=3521873401185891&extid=rTn28IoEbulsqdrZ
Willie questioned the First Minister on her Programme for Government. Mental health services for Scotland’s young people have been deteriorating for years yet there is no new plan to tackle it. Lives and livelihoods across Scotland are still under threat but the First Minister is committing government time to new independence initiatives. These priorities are wrong.
Having seen the surge in testing since the return to school in Scotland, Wendy asked the Education Secretary what engagement the UK government is having with devolved nations to prevent a similar surge across the rest of the UK.
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.
