Questions and answers

Parliamentary questions can be asked by any MSP to the Scottish Government or the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body. The questions provide a means for MSPs to get factual and statistical information.

Written questions must be answered within 10 working days (20 working days during recess)

Other questions such as Topical, Portfolio, General and First Minister's Question Times are taken in the Chamber

Urgent Questions aren't included in the Question and Answers search. There is a SPICe fact sheet listing Urgent and emergency questions.

Question reference: S6W-01824

Asked by: Douglas Lumsden, MSP for North East Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Friday, 23 July 2021
Current Status: Answered by Shirley-Anne Somerville on 9 August 2021

To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on facemasks being mandatory in schools, and, in light of the challenges with communication and participation faced by pupils with hearing difficulties, whether it will consider providing an exemption, in time for the start of the new academic year, for classrooms in which there is a pupil with hearing difficulties.

The current guidance, updated on 3 August Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance on reducing the risks in schools - gov.scot (www.gov.scot) , remains that face coverings will continue to be worn by staff in communal areas in all schools, and in classrooms by staff and pupils in secondary schools, for up to 6 weeks. However, I am acutely aware that some young people find this challenging. Therefore the Scottish Government guidance on face coverings , which is referenced in guidance for schools, does set out some exemptions, including when communicating with someone who relies on lip reading and facial expressions to communicate.

The decision to retain the use of face coverings in schools has been taken after very careful consideration, especially with regard to face coverings in classrooms. But at the moment, our judgement remains that this is the best way to protect children, young people and staff in the school environment. This approach is in line with the latest recommendations of the Advisory Sub-group on Education and Children’s issues and is kept under regular review in light of emerging scientific evidence and advice.

Question reference: S6W-01217

Asked by: Douglas Lumsden, MSP for North East Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Monday, 05 July 2021
Current Status: Answered by Humza Yousaf on 9 August 2021

To ask the Scottish Government what steps are being taken in conjunction with the UK Government to ensure that those who received the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine manufactured in India (batch numbers 4120Z001, 4120Z002, and 4120Z003) are treated equally to other vaccine receivers and will not face additional travel restrictions.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulator has approved the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine to be given in Scotland, and across the UK. This vaccine also complies with European Medicines Agency requirements and is shown on the record of vaccination as Vaxzevria - EU/1/21/1529.

Individuals travelling abroad will still need to meet the requirements for their destination country when travelling. For example, a negative pre-departure test etc. if stipulated by the respective country.

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