Latest update during the COVID-19 health emergency

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Further update – for Tuesday 28th July – from Councillor Fraser Macpherson

(West End) and Councillor Craig Duncan (Broughty Ferry)

SHIELDING PAUSED

Those who have been shielding can now meet indoors with up to eight people from two households, as long as physical distancing is observed. They can also visit indoor shops, markets and pharmacies, museums, galleries, libraries and cinemas, and attend hairdressers and barbers.

They can also meet outdoors in groups of up to fifteen people from a maximum of four households per day. They can also choose to go to pubs and restaurants with outdoor spaces, though it is advised that busy places are avoided.

They can now also use public transport, as well as taxis, as long as a face covering is worn, and children who live with someone shielding can now also attend formal childcare providers.

https://news.gov.scot/news/shielding-to-be-paused

CHILDMINDER SCHOOL DROP OFFS AND PICK UPS – BLENDED

Childminders will be able to pick up and drop off children at school in August. Parents and carers are still encouraged to limit the use of multiple childcare settings where possible.

https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-letter-to-scottish-childminding-association

CHILDCARE

A new Transitional Support Fund will help childcare providers in the private and third sectors, including out-of-school care providers, meet extra costs incurred to comply with public health guidance in response to the pandemic.

https://www.gov.scot/news/support-for-childcare-sector/

TESTING FOR UNDER 5s

Children under the age of five who are displaying potential coronavirus symptoms are now eligible for testing. Under 5s or anyone else with any of the following symptoms should self-isolate and book a test at www.nhsinform.scot/test-and-protect or call 0800 028 2816 if they are unable to access the online service:

• a high temperature or fever

• a new continuous cough

• a loss of, or change in sense of smell or taste

ENDOSCOPY SERVICES

There are currently 19,000 patients recorded as waiting for a diagnostic endoscopy. New funding is now available to address that backlog. The NHS Golden Jubilee Hospital, mobile endoscopy units and commissioning of the private sector will all provide additional capacity.

https://www.gov.scot/news/endoscopy-services-to-be-restored/

LAND AND BUILDINGS TRANSACTION TAX

The threshold at which LBTT begins to be paid has increased from £145,000 to £250,000 and will remain in place until 31st March 2021. Excluding the Additional Dwelling Supplement, it means that 80% of home purchasers will pay no LBTT. Home movers buying a home costing more than £250,000 will save £2,100.

https://www.gov.scot/news/action-to-help-home-buyers/

EAT OUT TO HELP OUT

Restaurants, bars, cafes and other establishments which serve food for on-premises consumption can now sign up to the Eat Out to Help Out scheme – aimed at protecting jobs in the hospitality industry and encouraging people to safely return to dining out.

Customers do not need a voucher as participating establishments will just remove the discount from their bill. Businesses reclaim the discounted amount through an online service, supported by HMRC. Claims can be made on a weekly basis and will be paid into bank accounts within five working days.

Eligible businesses can register here:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/register-your-establishment-for-the-eat-out-to-help-out-scheme

DRIVE IN EVENTS

Drive-in entertainment events can now be held. This includes live concerts, comedy nights, theatre productions and local bingo events.

https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-events-sector-guidance/pages/overview

HOMEWORKING AND SECTORAL ADVICE

The guidance for homeworking has been revised:

https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-for-homeworking

A comprehensive list of sectoral advice can be found here:

https://findbusinesssupport.gov.scot/coronavirus-advice

GUIDANCE ON OUTDOOR CAFES, RESTAURANTS AND PUBS

This letter includes details of special measures to enable the erection of temporary buildings.