From Sunday 1st May, most people in Scotland no longer need to take a COVID-19 test if they suspect they have the virus, and should follow guidance on staying at home if unwell. Testing remains available to specific groups, and advice has been published for people on the Highest Risk List. As the threat level in Scotland is currently at medium, self-isolation is no longer required by law. However, Scottish Government advise people in Scotland to continue to use “COVID sense” in containing the spread of the virus.
COVID-19
COVID-19 Update: Vaccinations for 5 – 11 Year Olds
All children aged 5 – 11 years old are now eligible for the first of 2 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, following clinical advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) which was issued in February 2022. Appointments are now being sent out to those with parental responsibility, with vaccination taking place in community clinics.
COVID-19 Update: Upcoming Changes to Legislation and Guidance
Due to the rising number of COVID-19 cases in Scotland, Scottish Government has confirmed that the legal requirement to wear face coverings on public transport and most indoor public settings will continue until at least Monday 4th April. This will be reviewed and revised as required. All other COVID-19 legal restrictions will move to guidance as planned, on Monday 21st March, including legal requirements for hospitality businesses and service providers to collect customer details for contact tracing. However, people are asked to be mindful of the Distance Aware scheme, and other people’s space and comfort.
NHS Forth Valley COVID-19 Response Grants Scheme Update
NHS Forth Valley has closed their COVID-19 Response Grants Scheme for 2021-22. They are reviewing the scheme and will provide an update for the next financial year via the dedicated webpage.
COVID-19 Vaccine Drop-In Clinics
NHS Forth Valley is running COVID-19 Vaccination Drop-in Clinics every day, 8:30am – 7pm, until Sunday 6th March. Clinics will be available this weekend, during the times above, at Falkirk Community Hospital (the old Falkirk Royal Infirmary), Stirling Health and Care Village (the old Stirling Community Hospital), and Clackmannanshire Community Healthcare Centre.
COVID-19 Vaccine Drop-In Clinics This Month
NHS Forth Valley is running COVID-19 Vaccination Drop-in Clinics every day, 8:30am – 7pm, until Sunday 27th February. Clinics will be available this weekend, during the times above, at Falkirk Community Hospital (the old Falkirk Royal Infirmary), Stirling Health and Care Village (the old Stirling Community Hospital), and Clackmannanshire Community Healthcare Centre. There will also be additional clinics running on Sunday 13th February, 10am – 4:30pm, at the former Homebase car park, in Stirling, and on Wednesday 16th February and Wednesday 23rd February, 8:30am – 7pm, at the University of Stirling’s Pathfoot Building.
COVID-19 Vaccine Drop-In Clinics (Until 6.2.2022)
NHS Forth Valley is running COVID-19 Vaccination Drop-in Clinics every day, 8:30am – 7pm, until this Sunday 6th February. People do not need to arrange an appointment before attending a drop-in clinic. Clinics will be available this weekend, during the times above, at Falkirk Community Hospital (the old Falkirk Royal Infirmary), Stirling Health and Care Village (the old Stirling Community Hospital), and Clackmannanshire Community Healthcare Centre. There will also be additional clinics running on Friday 6th February, 10am – 4:30pm, at the Morrisons Supermarket car park in Alloa, and on Sunday 13th February, 10am – 4:30pm, at the former Homebase car park in Stirling.
COVID-19 Vaccine Drop-In Clinics (Until 30.1.2022)
NHS Forth Valley is running COVID-19 Vaccination Drop-in Clinics every day, 8:30am – 7pm, until this Sunday 30th January. People do not need to arrange an appointment before attending a drop-in clinic. Clinics will be available this weekend, during the times above, at Falkirk Community Hospital (the old Falkirk Royal Infirmary), Stirling Health and Care Village (the old Stirling Community Hospital), and Clackmannanshire Community Healthcare Centre.
COVID-19 Update: Hybrid Working in Scotland
Scottish Government has announced that, as of Monday 31st January, businesses can prepare to resume hybrid working, enabling more people to have a flexible return to working between home and the office. However, the First Minister advised that a mass return to offices is “likely to set progress back”, and recommended a more phased return.
COVID-19 Update: Additional Restrictions Changing
Scottish Government has announced that, as of Monday 24th January, the additional restrictions put in place before Christmas will end, including: an end to 1 metre distancing and table service in hospitality; no attendance limits at indoor events; face coverings must continue to be worn in public places and on public transport (exemptions apply).