Scottish Government has confirmed that, on Monday 9th August, all of Scotland will move beyond Level 0 of COVID-19 restrictions, as planned. However, some protective measures will stay in place, including masks and face coverings indoors and on public transport, by law (with exemptions in place), and the collection of contact details as part of Test and Protect. People are also advised to continue to clean their hands and surfaces regularly.
COVID-19
COVID-19 Protection Levels Update: Scotland Entering Level 0
Scottish Government has confirmed that, from Monday 19th July, all of Scotland will move to Level 0. However, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has urged everyone to follow the current safety measures in place in their area until that time, and to follow Level 0 guidance afterwards. As a result of the ongoing high number of cases in Scotland, face masks will remain mandatory (with medical exemptions in place).
COVID-19 Protection Levels and Guidance Update
Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has confirmed there will be no changes to the current COVID-19 protection levels in place across Scotland until Monday 19th July. However, from Monday 28th June, changes to rules for weddings and funerals will take effect. Scottish Government has also updated Scotland’s Strategic Framework, which sets out how and why their COVID-19 response strategy will change in light of new conditions, and what a move beyond Level 0 will look like.
COVID-19 Response Grants Scheme Reopened
The NHS Forth Valley Health Promotion Service has relaunched its COVID-19 Response Grants Scheme for 2021-22. Applications for up to £500 will be considered from organisations and groups across Forth Valley which support and connect communities to respond to COVID-19. Applications must address one or, preferably, both of the Health Promotion Service priorities: Health Inequalities, and Mental Health and Wellbeing.
LAST CHANCE: COVID-19 Vaccine Self-Registration for 18 – 29 Year Olds
People aged 18 – 29 years old have until 8pm TONIGHT, FRIDAY 11th JUNE to register for their COVID-19 vaccination. Registration takes 5 – 10 minutes. Vaccination appointments will start from mid-June.
COVID-19 Recovery Grants Scheme Reopened
The NHS Forth Valley Health Promotion Service has relaunched its COVID-19 Recovery Grants Scheme for 2021-22. The fund aims to help local groups and organisations deliver innovative activities and programmes to help reduce health inequalities and improve mental health and wellbeing amongst those most disproportionately affected by COVID-19. Grants of up to £500 are available, and applications will be considered every 2 weeks.
COVID-19 Protection Levels Update: Falkirk Entering Level 1
Scottish Government has announced that, from Saturday 5th June, Falkirk will enter Level 1 of the COVID-19 protection tiers. However, many of the surrounding areas (including Stirling and Clackmannanshire) will remain in Level 2 due to their higher number of confirmed cases. Glasgow will also enter Level 2.
COVID-19 Protection Levels Update: Moray and Glasgow City
The First Minister later announced on Friday 21st May that the Glasgow City local council area would remain at Level 3, due to the rising number of COVID-19 cases. As a result, people in Falkirk and the wider Forth Valley area (which have entered Level 2) must not travel to or from this areas, unless for essential reasons (including work and caring responsibilities). Scottish Government is expected to review these measures this week.
COVID-19 Protection Levels Update: Falkirk Entering Level 2
Scottish Government has announced that, from Monday 17th May, the majority of mainland Scotland will enter Level 2 of the COVID-19 protection tiers. This includes Falkirk and the wider Forth Valley area.
Volunteering and the Third Sector Response to COVID-19 Survey
Scottish Government’s survey on Volunteering and the Third Sector Response to COVID-19 is now live. There are 2 questionnaires: one targeted at third sector interfaces (TSIs), Local Authorities and intermediary organisations; the other aimed at organisations working directly with volunteers (volunteer-involving organisations, or VIOs). The survey will help Scottish Government better understand the impact of COVID-19 on the third sector and volunteering during the pandemic and to inform the recovery process. The deadline for all responses is 11:59pm on Sunday 23rd May.
