Key primary sources:
Scottish Government
Coronavirus in Scotland
https://www.gov.scot/coronavirus-covid-19/
NHS Inform
Latest guidance about COVID-19 from NHS Scotland:
https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/coronavirus-covid-19
Ready Scotland
Ready Scotland have prepared a useful list of where to go to find additional support for you or someone you know, which will be updated on a rolling basis.
https://www.readyscotland.org/coronavirus/where-to-find-additional-support/
SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT COVID-19 GUIDANCE PUBLISHED OR UPDATED TODAY 21/04/20
Statement given by Fiona Hyslop to the Scottish Parliament
Coronavirus (COVID-19) update: Justice Sector Response Ministerial Statement – Tuesday 21 April 2020
Statement given by Humza Yousaf to the Scottish Parliament.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) update: Health Secretary’s update on Tuesday 21 April 2020
Statement given by Jeane Freeman to the Scottish Parliament.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) update: First Minister’s speech – 21 April 2020
Statement given by the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon at a media briefing in St Andrew’s House, Edinburgh.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): support for alcohol and drug services
Information about how we are supporting alcohol and drug services during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): business and social distancing guidance
Guidance for businesses in Scotland on social distancing, including the closure of all retailers that sell non-essential goods and other non-essential premises due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): staying at home and away from others (social distancing)
Rules on staying at home and away from others to help protect the NHS and save lives.
UK GOVERNMENT COVID-19 GUIDANCE PUBLISHED OR UPDATED TODAY 21/04/20
Claim a grant through the coronavirus (COVID-19) Self-employment Income Support Scheme
Use this scheme if you’re self-employed or a member of a partnership in the UK and have lost income due to coronavirus (COVID-19).
Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for UK businesses
Guidance for UK businesses trading internationally.
Apply for the Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme
This scheme helps large businesses affected by coronavirus (COVID-19) to access loans of up to £25 million.
Claim back Statutory Sick Pay paid to employees due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out if you can use the Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme to reclaim employees’ coronavirus-related Statutory Sick Pay (SSP).
Driving tests are currently suspended for up to 3 months (from 20 March 2020) due to coronavirus. You can apply for an emergency test if you’re a critical worker.
Theory tests are currently suspended until 8 May 2020 due to coronavirus, but you can apply for an emergency theory test if you’re a critical worker.
Help and support if your business is affected by coronavirus (COVID-19)
Watch a video and register for the free webinar to learn more about the support available to help you deal with the economic impacts of coronavirus.
SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT COVID-19 GUIDANCE PUBLISHED OR UPDATED TODAY (13/04/20)
Coronavirus (COVID-19): advice for animal owners
Advice to owners of pets, companion animals and livestock who may be required to self-isolate as part of government advice on coronavirus (COVID-19).
Coronavirus (COVID-19): help for vulnerable people
Helpline for those who do not have family or community support.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Investing in Communities Fund
An update regarding the Investing in Communities Fund and support available during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Project bank accounts signing requirements during COVID-19 CPN 2/2020
This construction policy note (CPN) advises on a change to signing trust documents for project bank accounts (PBAs).
Coronavirus (COVID-19): making best use of procurement rescources during COVID-19 outbreak
This policy note reminds public bodies of the range of procurement procedures available to them and describes some practical steps that can be taken to optimise resources during the COVID-19 outbreak.
UK GOVERNMENT COVID-19 GUIDANCE PUBLISHED OR UPDATED TODAY (13/04/20)
Claim a grant through the coronavirus (COVID-19) Self-employment Income Support Scheme
Use this scheme if you’re self-employed or a member of a partnership in the UK and have lost income due to coronavirus (COVID-19).
The UK Government has recently updated the guidance as it include, a few points to highlight include:
- The grant will be subject to Income Tax and National Insurance contributions but does not need to be repaid.
- You can make a claim for Universal Credit while you wait for the grant, but any grant received will be treated as part of your self-employment income and may affect the amount of Universal Credit you get. Any Universal Credit claims for earlier periods will not be affected.
- If you receive the grant you can continue to work or take on other employment including voluntary work.
- If you have other employment as a director or employee which is paid through PAYE your employer may be able to get support using the Job Retention Scheme.
- You will need to confirm to HMRC that your business has been adversely affected by coronavirus. HMRC will as usual use a risk based approach to compliance.
- If you’re self-employed and have received payment for work or services in the form of a loan or other form of credit covered by the loan charge, you may be able to claim the grant, however your eligibility and average trading profits will be based on either:
- the average of the tax years 2016 to 2017 and 2017 to 2018
- the tax year 2017 to 2018 if you were not self-employed in the tax year 2016 to 2017
- If you’re a self-employed farmer claiming farmers’ averaging relief HMRC will use the amount of profit before the impact of the averaging claims to work out:
- if you can claim the grant
- how much grant you will receive
- Find out how HMRC works out your total income and trading profits for the Self-employment Income Support Scheme
- HMRC will aim to contact you by mid May 2020 if you’re eligible for the scheme and invite you to claim using the GOV.UK online service. If you’re unable to claim online an alternative way to claim will be available. We will update this page with more information soon.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) emergency loans for return flights: how to apply
If you’re currently abroad and you have no other options to pay for your return travel, you may be eligible to apply for an emergency loan from the government.
Producing hand sanitiser and gel for coronavirus (COVID-19)
Temporary changes to the use and supply of denatured alcohol and duty-free spirits, to help businesses who produce hand sanitiser and gel.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): advice for UK visa applicants and temporary UK residents
This is advice for visa customers and applicants in the UK, visa customers outside of the UK and British nationals overseas who need to apply for a passport affected by travel restrictions associated with coronavirus.
Annual inspection waiver for tank vehicles
Notice allowing tank vehicles, with extended roadworthiness test certificates, to remain in service and on our roads without a valid ADR 1(C) certificate.
Health, welfare and social security
NHS Inform
Information for the public in Scotland regarding the symptoms of Coronavirus (COVID-19) and the recommended steps people should take if they suspect they have the virus.
https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/coronavirus-covid-19
Scottish Government £350 million fund to support welfare and wellbeing
Helping communities affected by COVID-19 (councils, charities, businesses and community groups)
https://www.gov.scot/news/helping-communities-affected-by-covid-19/
Age Scotland
Advice for older people and their families on how to avoid exposure to the virus.
https://www.ageuk.org.uk/scotland/information-advice/health-and-wellbeing/coronavirus/
Health Protection Scotland
Guidance for healthcare professionals in Scotland. Health Protection Scotland has issued a range of guidance documents on COVID-19. Including guidance on the management of patients presenting to primary care:
https://www.hps.scot.nhs.uk/a-to-z-of-topics/covid-19/
World Health Organization (WHO)
Rolling global update:
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/events-as-they-happen
Care Inspectorate
Registration and regulation of all care services (including childcare services)
https://www.careinspectorate.com/index.php/coronavirus-professionals
SSSC – Scottish Social Services Council
Regulator and register of social care staff
British Dental Association
Live updates: Coronavirus and dentistry
https://bda.org/advice/Coronavirus/Pages/latest-updates.aspx
Business and employment
Find business support in Scotland
There is a specific Coronavirus (COVID-19) business continuity page available at: https://findbusinesssupport.gov.scot/coronavirus-advice/ – this should be the first place businesses should look for assistance and is part of a joint response by Scotland’s Enterprise and Skills system (Agencies, Local Authorities, Scottish Government and business/industry organisations).
Scottish Government Helpline
Helpline to handle urgent issues and more detailed questions that can’t be answered on the FBS site:
https://www.gov.scot/news/covid-19-helpline-for-scottish-businesses/
Business Gateway
Help for business owners and their to employees find information on how to deal with concerns about Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the workplace:
https://www.bgateway.com/news/guidance-for-business-owners-in-scotland-on-coronavirus-covid-19
Scottish Government workplace advice in non-healthcare settings
Workplace advice in non-healthcare settings, including tips that apply to people working in hotels and hospitality, leisure facilities, entertainment venues and premises used by community groups.
https://news.gov.scot/news/workplace-advice-contained-in-new-coronavirus-guidance
UK Government Guidance for Employees
UK Government Guidance for Employers (and businesses)
House of Commons blog on employment rights:
Citizens Advice Scotland has advice for self-employed people: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/scotland/health/coronavirus-what-it-means-for-you/
Housing
The Scottish Housing Regulator regulates to protect the interests of people who receive the services of social landlords as well as protect the interests of tenants, people who are homeless, and others who use social landlords’ services. It has made changes to its regulatory approach in response to Coronavirus (COVID-19):
Money Advice Service
Information on how mortgage payment holidays work and the circumstances in which you might be granted one: https://www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/mortgage-payment-holidays
Education
Scottish Government
Coronavirus (COVID19) and impact on education
https://www.gov.scot/publications/statement-covid19-managing-impacts-scottish-education/
Scottish Qualifications Authority
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and impact on August 2020 certification:
Courts and Tribunals
Scottish Courts & Tribunals Service
Advice on business changes:
Crown Office & Procurator Fiscal Service
Information for those due to attend court:
Scottish Prison Service
Advice for Prison visitors:
http://www.sps.gov.uk/Corporate/News/News-6838.aspx
Environment, food (retail) and fisheries
Energy Saving Trust
Advice for home heating and energy use by people staying home to work or to avoid picking up the coronavirus:
Fisheries
Seafish are providing Coronavirus (COVID-19) updates for the seafood industry:
https://www.seafish.org/article/coronavirus-updates-for-the-seafood-industry
Farmers Guardian
Farmers Guardian are covering Coronavirus (COVID-19 impacts on UK agriculture:
British Retail Consortium
The BRC have produced a ‘Coronovirus Hub’ to provide operational guidance on issues like HR, competition law and cash flow:
http://brc.org.uk/coronavirus/
Transport and travel
Transport Scotland
Information on Coronavirus (COVID-19) impact on transport:
https://www.transport.gov.scot/our-approach/coronavirus-covid-19/
UK Government Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Guidance for British people travelling and living overseas during Coronavirus (COVID-19):
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-advice-novel-coronavirus
National Travel Health Network and Centre
General advice on preparing for foreign travel and how everyone can reduce the spread of respiratory viruses during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak:
https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/news/499/novel-coronavirus-covid-19-general-advice-for-travellers
NHS Fit for Travel
Information on how to stay safe and healthy abroad:
https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/advice/disease-prevention-advice/coronavirus-disease-covid-19
Traveline Scotland
Information on public transport in Scotland https://www.travelinescotland.com/coronavirus
ELDERLY PEOPLE
Age Scotland: 0800 12 44 222
Opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm
HOMELESSNESS
Shelter Scotland:0808 800 4444
Opening hours are Monday-Friday 8am-8pm; weekends 8am-5pm
PARENTS
· GENERAL SUPPORT FOR PARENTS AND CARERS
Parentline Scotland: 0800 028 2233
Opening hours are Monday to Friday from 9am to 9pm; weekends 9am to noon.
· SUPPORT FOR SINGLE PARENTS
Lone Parent Helpline: 0808 801 0323
Opening hours are Monday to Friday 9.30am to 4pm
· SUPPORT FOR PARENTS OF DISABLED CHILDREN
Contact: 0808 808 3555
Opening hours are Monday to Friday, 9.30am-5pm
· HOMESCHOOLING / EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT Literacy resources for ages birth to 12: https://literacytrust.org.uk/family-zone/
PEOPLE WITH LOW MOOD, DEPRESSION OR ANXIETY:
Breathing Space Scotland: 0800 83 85 87
Opening hours are Monday – Thursday 6pm to 2am; Friday 6pm – Monday 6am
PET OWNERS
SSPCA: 03000 999 999
Opening hours are 7am-10pm every day