COVID-19

Full-time school reopening confirmed with further £60m support.

Children will return to schools full-time from August 11, with quick access to testing for all those who are symptomatic, and a targeted, enhanced surveillance programme to highlight any impact on pupils and staff.

Two new funding packages worth £15 million will support the tourism sector as it continues to feel the impacts of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Loans aim to maintain cash flow for farmers and crofters during COVID-19 crisis.

A loan scheme to support farmers and crofters through the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis has been announced by Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing.

With the additional uncertainty caused by Brexit, the National Basic Payment Support Scheme will maintain vital cash flow for farm and croft businesses by injecting up to £340 million into the rural economy.  

Updated guidance on managing the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has been published.

As restrictions ease, the way Scotland deals with COVID-19 is now shifting from containing the virus nationally through lockdown to monitoring and responding to localised outbreaks wherever and whenever they occur.

People are being asked to continue following the public health guidance issued during the first phase of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic by using their local pharmacy, GP practice, local minor injuries unit or NHS 24 to get advice and help when they need medical care.

The majority of Scotland’s tourism sector can begin to restart from today (Wednesday 15 July) after lockdown restrictions were further eased.

As part of Phase 3 of Scotland’s lockdown route map, guests can now stay in hotels and on campsites and visit tourist attractions across the country as transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to be suppressed.

Cafes, restaurants and bars can also begin accepting patrons indoors from today.

Research published today by Scottish Rural Action highlights that ‘thinking, resourcing and acting local’ is the key to enabling recovery from the impacts of Covid-19 in rural communities across Scotland. The research provides backing for the regional approach to economic recovery recommended by the Higgins Report, published last month.
 

Coastal communities across Scotland will receive £9.7 million of revenue generated by the Scottish Crown Estate’s marine assets, providing vital support for responding to the impact of coronavirus (COVID-19).

The funding, which comes from the second year of devolved management of Crown Estate assets is up by more than £2m on last year and is more than double the funding available under the old Coastal Communities Fund.

The safe re-opening of small and micro businesses following the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is being supported by new guidance.

The publication provides practical advice for employers on the steps they need to take before and after re-opening.

Key measures include:

Public health measure lifted for some overseas travellers arriving in Scotland.

Passengers arriving in Scotland from 57 overseas destinations that have similar or lower levels of coronavirus (COVID-19) infection than Scotland will no longer need to quarantine. Travellers from the 14 UK overseas territories will also be exempt.