COVID-19

Test and Protect effective in containing virus.

Local restrictions in Dumfries and Galloway have been lifted following a cluster of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases last week in the Annan and Gretna areas.

The outbreak is now contained so travel is no longer restricted to five miles and care home visiting is now permitted.

A targeted £10 million fund to support Scotland’s performing arts venues has been announced by Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop.

Created as part of the Scottish Government’s £185m Business Support Fund, the Performing Arts Venues Relief Fund will help venues who cannot yet reopen to their audiences due to the ongoing impact of coronavirus (COVID-19).

The fund will be run by Creative Scotland, who will publish full details shortly.

Helping businesses adapt to physical distancing measures.

Pubs, restaurants and cafes in Scotland will have greater flexibility to make use of outside spaces, as outdoor hospitality resumes from 6 July.

The Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) will take over the running of Scotland’s coronavirus (COVID-19) mobile testing units from the start of September.

Currently operated by HM Armed Forces, the mobile units will pass to SAS, where they will continue to support the ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including the management of localised outbreaks.  

Tourism to benefit from further Phase 2 changes.

The tourism sector is to benefit from the further lifting of restrictions under Phase 2 of Scotland’s route map out of lockdown.

Face coverings and 2 metre rule exemptions announced in preparation for Phase 3.

Provisions to allow children to play outdoors with friends, the introduction of exemptions to the 2 metre physical distancing rule, and mandatory use of face coverings in retail settings from Phase 3 are among measures announced by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon today (Thursday, 2 July).

Scotland sets out ‘bold and practical’ proposals.

A UK-wide £80 billion stimulus package should be created to regenerate the economy and reduce inequalities following the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, a new Scottish Government report proposes.

A new group formed to deliver Scotland’s culture strategy is to meet for the first time.

The National Partnership for Culture (NPC) is made up of 14 experts from across Scotland’s culture sector. The group will advise on challenges facing the culture sector from coronavirus (COVID-19) and will build on the recommendations recently set out to the First Minister by the Advisory Group on Economic Recovery.

A new taskforce created to drive forward the recovery of Scotland’s vital tourism sector is to meet for the first time.

The Scottish Tourism Recovery Taskforce (STRT) is made up of more than 30 businesses with experience from across the industry. It is co-chaired by Tourism Secretary Fergus Ewing and Business Minister Jamie Hepburn.

Indicative dates for Phase 2 and early Phase 3 measures announced to help planning.

Provisional dates for the relaxation of travel restrictions, restarting of the hospitality industry and reopening of hairdressers are among further route map measures announced today (Wednesday 24, June) by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.