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Category: Covid-19

Covid-19 Update from the First Minister

Posted on by Fiona Campbell

During her COVID-19 update today which focused on the new Omicron variant, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon covered the following (29/11/21):

  • The FM gave a review of what was currently known about the Omicron variant of COVID-19. She noted that there was still much to be figured out about its potential impact and transmissibility but said that this new variant may be the “most challenging” part of the pandemic.
  • The FM noted that six cases of the Omicron variant had been discovered, with cases found in Lanarkshire and Glasgow. She pointed out that there may have been community transmission already but that this was not known for sure and the government was looking into it.
  • The FM outlined the measures that had been and would be taken. She called for increased compliance with the rules currently in place, especially with home working. She further noted that additional testing would be put in place to track the new variant. The FM also announced that there had been a list of 10 countries put on a new red list for travel and that this was under constant review.
  • The FM said that she and the Welsh FM had written to the Prime Minister calling for a more stringent testing process – including a return to day eight PCR testing. The letter also included a call for the PM to convene a COBRA meeting to discuss this issue and the funding for it.
  • The FM closed by arguing that a “precautionary” approach was what was required and noting that her government would proceed on a “proportionate” basis. She also urged viewers to ensure that they get vaccinated, despite saying that Omicron may be slightly less vulnerable to it. Finally, she reiterated her calls for everyone to follow all the measures and rules in place.
  • During the following session of questions from journalists, the Mail asked the FM to comment on holidaymakers and whether they should cancel their plans. The FM said that she was not willing to do so just now and noted that countries around the world were dealing with similar issues. When pushed by another journalist on the possibility of the PM refusing the requested additional travel measures, the FM replied that she was hopeful of a four nations approach.

Scottish Tourism Leadership Programme (STLP)

Posted on by Fiona Campbell

The Scottish Tourism Leadership Programme is part of ten programmes announced by the First Minister in support of the Tourism Recovery Plan. It was developed to support business and community-led tourism enterprises to take the lead in driving recovery in those places across Scotland which depend on visitor spend to create and support jobs and in many rural areas, to retain important local services and encourage entrepreneurship along the way.

Delivered across Scotland, STLP, which is a competitive application process, offers high-quality, accredited leadership training and ongoing professional development, giving individuals the opportunity to:

  • Develop personal leadership skills and expertise
  • Gain insight from fellow participants and learn from industry and destination experts
  • Become part of a growing national network of people working together to develop innovative tourism opportunities

The courses being delivered as part of this programme include:

  • Introduction to Tourism Leadership being led by Scottish Enterprise and delivered by Edinburgh Napier University. Eight courses will run throughout 2021/22, some of which will be customised around specialist sub-sectors and in line with our Business Plan ambitions to work more intensively in some regions.
  • Communities Leading in Tourism an online personal development programme led by Highlands and Islands Enterprise helping communities shape the future of local tourism. This is available on a pan Scotland basis and although the first cohort is now closed to applicants, individuals can register their interest for the second pan Scotland cohort today.
  • The Destination Leaders Programme, a fully funded course being led by Edinburgh Napier on behalf of the STLP *partners, brings together like-minded individuals to gain the knowledge and skills to work effectively as a destination leader by learning about international best practice, insights and networks. It is open to individuals from tourism businesses and organisations across Scotland with a key and active role in the business.
    Three cohorts will be delivered across Scotland, starting in October 2021, with the application process now open.

Cohort 1 – Glasgow and Edinburgh – commencing 27th October

Cohort 2 – Aberdeen and Dundee

Cohort 3 – Pan Scotland

All courses are supported by the Scottish Government and are being offered free of charge to participants.

*STLP partners include Scottish Enterprise, Highlands & Islands Enterprise, South of Scotland Enterprise and Skills Development Scotland

COVID-19 on the premises

Posted on by Fiona Campbell

In the event that a guest develops symptoms whilst staying away from home, they should immediately book a test through NHS Inform or, if they can’t get online by phoning 0800 028 2816.

In accordance with Test and Protect, people with symptoms are required to self-isolate and book a test, and whilst awaiting this test result, everyone in their household should isolate. If the test is negative, everyone can end isolation. If the test is positive, the index case (or person who has tested positive for Covid) should continue to self-isolate and the NHS Test and Protect team will be in touch to start contact tracing. The household/close contacts should also self-isolate whilst awaiting a PCR test and depending on their age, vaccination status and whether they have any symptoms, they will be given advice on self-isolation through Test and Protect as appropriate.

If guests who are isolating can travel home safely to isolate, avoiding the use of public transport, they should do this.  In the event that this is not possible, if guests are able to isolate safely in holiday / temporary accommodation, this may be advisable.  If such an extended stay is necessary, unless otherwise provided for in the contractual terms of the booking, the guest will be expected to pay the costs of an extended stay in all but exceptional circumstances. Those who test positive for coronavirus should not travel by public transport or take a flight. If possible, they would be able to drive themselves home.  If the guest is either unable to travel home safely or to isolate within their current accommodation (for example if there are shared facilities, or risks cannot be mitigated to protect staff), the guest should discuss this with the NHS Test and Protect team. The guest may be signposted to the National Assistance Helpline on 0800 111 4000 if they need help to isolate and cannot arrange it themselves or through friends and family.

In some circumstances further discussion may be required with the local Health Protection Team and local authority to ensure that the person has suitable accommodation to isolate safely and effectively.

After the required period of self-isolation, guests and anyone else in their party who has been affected can then return to their main place of residence.

Link to Government Guidance.