Revised approach in battle with Covid-19 to come into effect on November 2
A five-level framework which will allow for a refreshed strategic approach to suppressing Coronavirus outbreaks across Scotland has just been published.
It indicates different levels of protection that might be needed based on different levels of transmission for the virus.
The Scottish Government has said the new system will allow for rapid but proportionate responses on both a local and national basis using a transparent range of measures and options.
It comprises five protection levels with ‘Level 0’ is effectively the same level of protection as the Route Map Phase 3 measures Scotland reached in August.
This will act as a baseline, with four levels above that designed to apply increasing protection from the virus in areas according to prevalence, the risk to communities and the need to protect the NHS.
Levels 1, 2 and 3 will be broadly equivalent to the UK Government levels to offer some uniformity with measures south of the border. Levels will be reviewed on a regular basis.
Ongoing financial support is set out in the framework and will be available to businesses which are required to close or which can remain open but will be directly affected by restrictions.
The Scottish Government has said it will work with local authorities to ensure grants are made available quickly and efficiently.
In the coming days Ministers will engage with local government, stakeholders, economic groups and other partners, prior to a final version of the strategic framework being debated in parliament next Tuesday (October 27).
Further details on which local authority areas of Scotland will fall under which levels will be announced following discussions with directors of public health and local authorities, taking on board recommendations from the national incident management team, before coming into force on November 2.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “It has become increasingly clear that we need to update our approach to tackling Coronavirus to adapt to this latest phase of the pandemic. The draft strategic framework we are publishing sets out how we intend to do that.
“It tries to balance different types of harms. But it is worth stressing that if we allow the virus to run out of control then that will exacerbate every other harm.
“In the coming days, we will listen to views from stakeholders on any suggested changes they might have, or how they would like to see it implemented. Although the framework we have published is new, the principles behind it will be familiar.
“I know that when people hear the daily figures it’s easy to feel as though the hard sacrifices we are all living with are not making a difference.
"But by taking these difficult steps we will help suppress the virus, and that is why I am asking everyone to stick with it.”
More on this story to follow and more details on the revised Covid-19 approach can be found here
