Chamber and committees

First, the situation is very different from March 2020, and people are not living their lives as they were asked to in March 2020. Anybody who suggests that we have not changed our response and adapted to changing circumstances is not paying attention or not wanting to recognise those changes.

We will look seriously at the proposals that Anas Sarwar has put forward, as we will look seriously at proposals that anyone puts forward. I have said before that we will consult widely as we develop the updated strategic framework over the coming weeks. It is important that we get it right. It is also important that we go beyond soundbites such as “pandemic proofing schools”. Yes, we all want to do that, but it comes down to serious investment, such as the investment that we are making in better ventilation and in other mitigation measures.

We would have to take care in relation to having a rigidity of approach around triggers, because we have learned—particularly over the past few months—that different variants do not behave in the same way as previous variants. If we have too rigid an approach, we do not adapt properly to the reality of the situation that we are facing. That is why there continues to be a need for judgment and good sense in how we try to balance things. However, we will consider any proposals that are put forward.

It is not the case that responses are ad hoc or last minute. We respond to changing circumstances—we would be failing in our obligation if we did not. I believe that the action that we took before Christmas has been shown to be worth while because of the much better position that we are in now. Yes, we need to have as much clarity as possible in our future approach, but we would be acting at our peril if we did not retain the ability to be flexible.

I go back to the comments from the head of the WHO that living with this virus does not mean simply giving it a “free ride”. We have to be smart in how we deal with it, which is what we will continue to seek to do, and we will consult as we do so.

Yes, I strongly echo Natalie Don’s call to pregnant women to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Public Health Scotland will publish its next analysis of vaccinations in pregnancy on 2 February. Previously published data showed that, from the start of the vaccination programme until August last year, uptake of the vaccine among pregnant women was lower than it was among non-pregnant women, but it was increasing and, according to the most recent data that was published by Public Health Scotland in September and October, uptake among pregnant women has become more similar to uptake among the general female population. That increasing uptake is encouraging.

Vaccination is the best way to protect against the known risks of Covid in pregnancy for women and babies, including premature birth and admission of women to intensive care. Therefore, I urge all those who are pregnant and who have not already done so to book their vaccination as soon as possible. I thank Natalie Don for raising such an important issue.

Today, as usual, I will report on the current course of the pandemic. I will also set out the latest data and outline some further changes that we intend to make in the period ahead. Those will include an update to the guidance on working from home and a change to requirements for overseas travel. Finally, I will summarise what we can all continue to do in the immediate future to keep cases on a downward trend and reduce pressure on the national health service and on the economy.

First, though, today’s statistics: 8,022 positive cases were reported yesterday, either through polymerase chain reaction or lateral flow tests; 1,392 people are in hospital with Covid, which is 43 fewer than yesterday; and 49 people are in intensive care, which is four fewer than yesterday. That figure includes 15 patients who have been in intensive care units for more than 28 days. Sadly, a further 23 deaths have been reported, taking the total number of deaths under the daily definition to 10,222. Once again, my condolences go to everyone mourning a loved one.

Although cases remain high—as in many countries around the world—the data from the past week paints another broadly positive picture. In the seven days prior to last Tuesday’s statement, almost 70,000 positive cases were identified through PCR and lateral flow testing, which is just under 10,000 a day. In the most recent seven days, there have been just over 50,000 cases, which is slightly more than 7,000 a day. Therefore, reported cases have fallen by just over a quarter.

There have been significant reductions in every age group except the under-15s. In that younger age group, cases have increased by 41 per cent. That will, at least to some extent, reflect the impact of the return to school. We will continue to monitor cases in that age group closely. We will also study the data carefully in the coming days to see whether the increase in cases among younger people is followed by any uptick in older age groups.

Although it is less up to date than our case numbers, the weekly survey data from the Office for National Statistics nevertheless indicates a similar trend. According to the ONS, in the week to 15 January, the percentage of people in Scotland infected with the virus declined.

As we would have expected, the decline in new cases is now reflected in a fall in the number of people being admitted to hospital with Covid. In the week to 14 January, 1,026 patients with Covid were admitted. In the following week, that fell to 704. Hospital occupancy has also fallen. This time last week, a total of 1,546 people were in hospital with Covid; today, it is 1,392. The number of people with Covid in intensive care has also reduced—from 59 this time last week to 49 today.

The significantly improved situation gave us the confidence yesterday to lift most of the remaining protective measures that were introduced before Christmas in response to omicron. I will have a little more to say about Covid statistics before I finish. However, following the lifting of restrictions on outdoor events last week, yesterday marked a significant return to normality with the lifting of all of the following measures: limits on attendance at indoor public events, nightclub closures, the requirement for 1m physical distancing between groups in hospitality and indoor leisure premises, the requirement for table service in hospitality venues serving alcohol on the premises, and the guidance against adult indoor non-professional contact sport.

On Thursday last week, we confirmed changes to our recommendations on self-isolation for people in care homes and lifted the recommended limit on the number of households able to visit care home residents. Visits from loved ones are hugely important for the wellbeing of care home residents, and I make it clear that we expect care homes and local health protection teams to support visits other than in genuinely exceptional circumstances.

The welcome progress of the past week or so has been made possible by a combination of booster vaccination, the proportionate measures that were introduced in December and, of course, the willingness of the public to adapt behaviour to stem transmission. That has all made a difference and, I am glad to say, has helped to send omicron into reverse. That progress is real and I am hopeful that it can be sustained.

That said, we know that there are still uncertainties ahead and the virus continues to be unpredictable. That all means that, although our return to more normality can be made with confidence, we should still exercise some caution. I will return to that point in a moment.

Before that, I can confirm that, on the strength of the latest data, the Cabinet concluded this morning that some further easing of measures is possible. First, as indicated last week, the current guidance on working from home, which was strengthened in response to omicron, will now be updated. Instead of recommending home working whenever practical, the new guidance will pave the way for a phased return to the office. It will recommend that, from Monday 31 January, employers should consider implementing hybrid working, following appropriate guidance, with workers spending some time in the office and some time at home.

We do not expect a wholesale return to the office next week—indeed, given that the level of infection, though falling, remains high, a mass return at this stage is likely to be counterproductive and to set progress back. However, we know that there are many benefits to employees, employers and the economy as a whole in at least a partial return to the office. Indeed, many businesses successfully implemented hybrid working last autumn. Therefore, as part of a phased return to the office, we will again encourage employers to consider hybrid working, and we look to them to determine how best to manage the transition in consultation with workers and trade unions.

I can confirm two further changes. In December, in response to omicron, a requirement for 2m physical distancing was introduced for indoor settings where people have a specific exemption from the need to wear a face covering. Such exemptions apply, for example, to people who are leading religious services or carrying out some receptionist duties. From Friday, in the light of the improving situation, that requirement will revert to 1m.

Secondly, there will be a change to the guidance on organised activities for children, which currently states that adults who are attending such activities should wear face coverings when indoors, unless they are leading the activity. From Friday, face coverings will no longer be required for any adult who is taking part in organised activities when they are directly interacting with children under the age of 5. That change will bring the guidance for indoor activities into line with that for early learning and childcare settings, and it will be of benefit to younger children and people who work with them.

We are not, at this stage, recommending any immediate change to the guidance on reducing risks in schools and the early learning and childcare sector. However, that is being kept under close and regular review. The advisory sub-group on education and children’s issues is meeting again today. We will consider carefully any recommendations that it makes, and we will continue to seek its advice on issues such as groupings in schools and the requirement for secondary school pupils to wear face coverings.

I know that young people, like many adults, want to see the back of face coverings as soon as possible. However, I also know that many young people understand and agree that face coverings provide important protection, especially when the number of cases in the younger age group is rising. It is a matter that requires and will receive careful on-going consideration.

Finally, further changes to international travel requirements were agreed yesterday by all four United Kingdom Governments. As a result, from Friday 11 February, fully vaccinated travellers will no longer need to take a test after they arrive in Scotland, although they will still be required to complete a passenger locator form. Travellers to Scotland who are not fully vaccinated will still be required to take a pre-departure test no more than two days before they board their plane and to take a PCR test on or before day 2 of their arrival here.

For international travel purposes, people are deemed to be fully vaccinated if they have completed at least a primary course of vaccination, which, for most people, means at least two doses. That international definition, which does not currently require booster or third vaccinations, will be kept under review.

The four UK Governments have agreed to work on a new surveillance system to identify any future variants of concern.

The Scottish Government would have preferred that system to be in place before the removal of the need for vaccinated people to take tests. However, and as we have done in the past, we recognise the wider benefits of adopting a common approach where possible.

Although those changes will be very welcome to travellers and the travel industry, it is important and responsible to point out that no Government can completely rule out having to tighten travel requirements again if certain circumstances—most obviously another new variant—were to arise. For now, and hopefully for the long term, it is really positive that those measures can be lifted. It opens the way for family reunions and the prospect again of holidays overseas and, of course, of much-needed support for the travel sector.

I am hugely grateful to everyone who has complied with the tighter protective measures that have been in force over the past month or so. Our collective efforts have made a huge difference. I know that many people will now rightly be looking forward to getting back to concerts, shows, sporting occasions and other events. Many others will be looking forward to meeting up with larger groups of friends or having a pint at a bar without the need for table service. Whatever it is that you are looking forward to doing again, enjoy it, knowing that, by doing so, you will be supporting businesses and organisations that have been through the mill.

However, to ensure that we sustain our progress, please continue to exercise appropriate care and caution. The level of infection, although declining overall, is still high, with around 7,000 cases still being confirmed each day. Indeed, the decline may be starting to plateau, and, as I reported earlier, cases among the under-15s are actually rising. Hundreds of people with Covid are still being admitted to hospital each week, which means that the national health service is still under immense pressure. We can say without fear of contradiction that this is the toughest winter the NHS has ever faced. We also know that any lifting of the protective measures that have helped to stem transmission, however welcome, can lead to an uptick of cases in the weeks that follow.

All of that demands a degree of continued caution, even as we enjoy a return to pre-omicron normality. So, for the rest of the month, and even though there are no longer any recommended upper limits, try to keep indoor social gatherings as small as circumstances allow, and please continue to comply with all the baseline protective measures. For example, continuing to wear face coverings indoors and on public transport can help all of us to stay safe while we travel and meet up more, and so will taking lateral flow tests before meeting up with others. Please continue to do that.

All those basic measures help us to protect each other as we get on with our daily lives, and they are especially important for the protection of those who are at highest clinical risk from Covid.

This week marks the introduction of a further initiative that is designed to help people who need extra support to get out and about with more confidence. The distance aware scheme is intended to help people who might be worried about going out. Badges and lanyards with the distance aware logo will be available to anyone who wants one, and they will indicate to other people that the person wearing the logo would like a bit of extra space and to have a bit more care taken around them.

The badges and lanyards are available free at mobile and community libraries across Scotland this week, and badges are also available in most Asda supermarkets. They are also available online from some participating charities. If you are, or anyone you know is, worried about being out and about and would feel safer with a bit more space, please get a distance aware badge. For everyone else, if you see someone wearing the badge or lanyard, give them the space and consideration that they are asking for. That is another small but important way of helping each other through a situation that remains difficult, challenging and stressful for many.

Finally, I stress again that vaccination continues to be the cornerstone of our battle against Covid. The very high vaccination rates achieved so far have helped us considerably on our path back to normality.

From this week, five to 11-year-olds with specific medical conditions are being invited for vaccination appointments. Parents and carers will receive either a letter inviting them to call the national phone line or a letter directly from their local health board. The types of medical conditions that make children eligible for the vaccine are set out at NHS Inform, and a leaflet with answers to questions that parents and carers might have will be made available in advance of appointments. There is also, as I indicated last week, a self-help guide on the NHS Inform website, and young people, parents and carers can use the guide to check eligibility for the vaccine.

In addition, reminder letters have been sent to 12 to 17-year-olds who are yet to complete their primary course of two doses of vaccine, and we are preparing to send scheduled appointments for February to any remaining 18 to 59-year-olds who are yet to be boosted. All 16 and 17-year-olds can also book boosters as soon as they approach 12 weeks from a second dose.

I take this opportunity to again urge anyone who is eligible for a primary dose or a booster but has not yet had it to please get it as soon as possible. Hospital data continues to show, even when it is adjusted for age, that someone who is not fully vaccinated is considerably more likely to require hospital treatment than someone who has had a booster or third dose. Being fully vaccinated is the single most important thing that any of us can do to protect ourselves, others and the national health service.

As I set out last week, we are continuing to consider the adaptations that might be necessary in the future to help us to manage the virus more sustainably and less restrictively. We will consult on and publish the updated strategic framework in the coming weeks. In doing so, we will take careful account of the developing international evidence as well as the data here. I was struck by the remarks that the head of the World Health Organization made yesterday. He said:

“learning to live with Covid cannot mean that we give this virus a free ride”.

He also warned that,

“globally, the conditions are ideal for more variants to emerge”.

It is clear, therefore, that we must continue to learn from experience and be prepared to adapt to a range of different circumstances.

On that point, I want to address directly a claim that was made in recent weeks by some Opposition members to the effect that the protective measures that were introduced here in response to omicron were unnecessary and that data shows that Scotland’s more cautious approach achieved no more than England’s less protective approach. In response, I told Parliament last week:

“The Office for National Statistics figures this week show that infection levels in England are over 20 per cent higher than those in Scotland.”—[Official Report, 20 January 2022; c 13.]

Willie Rennie issued a furious press release on the back of that, saying that I had “twisted” the data. He also reported me to the impartial chair of the UK Statistics Authority. I am pleased to say that he has now written back to Mr Rennie. Oddly, as far as I am aware, Mr Rennie has not press released the reply. Sir David Norgrove, the chair of the UK Statistics Authority, says in his reply that I

“correctly stated that the figure for England was more than 20 per cent higher than the figure for Scotland.”

However, he goes further than that. While acknowledging that there are other, equally accurate ways to cite the statistics, he concludes as follows:

“the data does suggest that the rate of infection is lower in Scotland than in England”.

To me, what matters is that Scotland is doing better now than we were doing before Christmas, and better than we might have been doing had we not taken action to stem transmission. That is what is important. How we are faring relative to England or anywhere else is not, in my view, the key comparison. However, given that others have sought to draw that comparison—inaccurately—in an attempt to undermine confidence in the Scottish Government’s decisions, I hope that all members will now accept the conclusion of the chair of the UK Statistics Authority that the data that I cited was, indeed, accurate. [Interruption.]

We have to make sure that we have a modern and efficient service and, of course, one that provides taxpayers with value for money. Right now, we are supporting our rail franchises with more than £1 billion, including £450 million of additional funding via the pandemic emergency measures. We will continue to do so in order to ensure that Scotland has the railway service that it needs and deserves. As I said earlier, we will bring ScotRail into public ownership, which I think the majority of people will welcome.

I fully support the Poverty Alliance campaign. I will be blunt about it: the UK Government is making the poorest poorer, and it is doing so knowingly, which is utterly despicable. The removal of the £20-a-week universal credit uplift has impacted on some of the poorest families in our society. Those actions are making it more difficult for the Scottish Government to live up to our responsibilities to tackle child poverty.

However, we are doing more—for example, we are doubling the Scottish child payment. A payment like that does not exist in any other part of the UK and, having established it, we are now taking steps to double it. We are doing everything that we can, but if we were not up against a Government that is pulling in the opposite direction, we would be able to do more and have a much greater impact. That is, of course, a powerful argument for having all the levers in the hands of Scottish Governments and the Scottish Parliament, and not leaving them in the hands of Westminster Governments.

First, everybody who is entitled to free personal care should get free personal care. Entitlement to free personal care in Scotland goes far beyond the situation in other parts of the United Kingdom.

I will not give a commitment today to the member’s proposition. I will consider it carefully, but I will not say, before I have had a chance to consider it, whether I think that it is the right way forward.

I will also look at the issue of data and come back to the member with an indication of when data is likely to be published, which will give a sense of how many people are taking up free personal care entitlement.

I am sure that every member across the chamber will, from time to time, have gripes about or criticisms of the BBC, but it is an important part of our broadcasting framework and we should all defend the principle of public service broadcasting.

I am deeply concerned by the announcements, or hints of announcements, that we heard earlier this week from the United Kingdom Government. I suspect—there is some evidence—that that was an attempt to divert attention from the Prime Minister’s troubles. Nevertheless, all of us have to stand up for those principles and guard against the UK Government and the damage that it seems willing to do to key institutions, often just to try to save its own skin.

I am not sure that that is a fair representation of Pete Wishart’s comments.

First, I want to take the opportunity to recognise that Pete Wishart is, I think, Scotland’s longest serving member of Parliament, which goes to show what an outstanding service he does for his constituents. I am sure that Douglas Ross will join me in taking the opportunity to pay tribute to Pete Wishart’s public service.

I think that we introduced a series of balanced protective measures over the Christmas period, which, coupled with the extraordinary response of the public in changing their behaviour and, of course, the extraordinary success of the booster programme, means that we are, thankfully, now in a better position than we might have been when we looked ahead before the Christmas period.

However, we not in a position that allows us any complacency. Covid rates are still high and there are still significant uncertainties ahead, which is why doctors, nurses and national health service managers and trade unions all expressed some concern about yesterday’s announcement by the Prime Minister to lift all restrictions at this stage, including the requirement to wear face coverings.

We will continue to take a proportionate and balanced set of decisions to get through the next—and, I hope, final—phase of the pandemic and to keep the country as safe as we can while we do so.

That is an important issue and we will work with Diabetes Scotland to take forward the findings of the report. Making sure that not only young people but people of all ages have access to insulin pumps is important, but it is also vital that they are used effectively. We have made improvements on that in years gone by, and we will continue to focus on making further improvements for the sake of people across Scotland who live with the condition.

There is a lot of detail in that question and I undertake to ask the relevant minister to write to Maggie Chapman with more detailed answers than time will allow me to give today, including on the question of lessons learned from the dreadful circumstances around the Park Inn in Glasgow.

The UK Government’s plans to divert vessels in the channel are dangerous. It is important that we are all clear that they will significantly increase risk to life. Médecins Sans Frontières has stated:

“Pursuing a policy of forced returns and engaging in pushback tactics is dangerous, inhumane and is in breach of international law. It puts lives at risk at sea.”

People seeking asylum in the UK should be accommodated in communities where they can begin to rebuild their lives and have access to essential services and the support and advocacy that they need, and so that they can make a contribution to those communities. The UK Government is failing to provide that.

The Home Office has not yet shared its review of the tragedy at the Park Inn but, as I said, I will ask the Scottish Government minister responsible to write to the member with further details on that.

The comments that we saw at the weekend about the use of the military—a bit like the comments on the BBC—were an attempt to divert attention from the self-inflicted troubles of the Prime Minister. We should not be using the BBC, and we should absolutely not be using refugees and asylum seekers, in that way. I say “we”, but it is the UK Government that is using refugees and asylum seekers in that way. It is utterly despicable and is another sign of the moral decay at the heart of the UK Government.