Chamber and committees

Contact sports for those aged 18 and over is currently not permitted in areas under temporary restrictions. From 2 November 2020, a strategic approach to outbreak management based on five levels of protection is due to be introduced and as currently drafted, contact sports for those aged 18 and over will not be permitted in level 3 and level 4 areas.

Decisions on what sectors and activities to re-open on our route out of lockdown are guided by the principles set out in our Framework for Decision Making. Proposals are technically assessed using the best available evidence and analysis of their potential benefits and harms to health, the economy, and broader society to minimise overall harm and ensure transmission of the virus continues to be suppressed.

This assessment process includes oversight of the assessed health risks in different settings by the Chief Medical Officer and input from the other Chief Clinicians as appropriate. We have used scientific evidence on transmission coupled with the social and economic benefits which Ministers have used to make decisions. There are a number of relevant factors that would have been considered:

• Duration of contact.
• Ability to maintain distancing.
• Challenge of cleaning surfaces, spaces between and around users.
• Aerosol transmission risk since such activities could give rise to heavier breathing, panting, shouting etc which would all increase the chance of transmission particularly as masks cannot be worn.

The Scottish Government is currently preparing to publish this information in due course.

Organised exercise is exempt from the restrictions around meeting other households. Coaches can therefore deliver outdoor sport and exercise sessions. sport scotland guidance provides there is an upper limit of 30 people for such an activity, including the coach/es. Coaches should follow the detailed guidance set out by sport scotland here: https://sportscotland.org.uk/covid-19/latest-sport-and-physical-activity-guidance/ and physical distancing (outwith any field of play bubble for permitted contact sport) and hygiene measures should be implemented.

From 2 November 2020, a strategic approach to outbreak management based on five levels of protection is due to be introduced as set out in the published strategic framework document. This may affect local restrictions throughout Scotland, dependant on the tier set in each Local Authority.

Parliament was advised on 3 August 2020 about the terms of the remit for the Ministerial Code referral in PQ answer S5W 31054. The decision to proceed with a referral and the setting of its terms are consistent with the provisions set out in the Ministerial Code and have been agreed with the Independent Adviser. The terms of the remit address the concerns that have been raised about the First Minister’s compliance with specific aspects of the Code in relation to certain meetings and other contacts, as described in the remit. As indicated by the First Minister at First Minister’s Questions on 29 October, in delivering the remit the Independent Adviser is not constrained in taking evidence and reporting on other aspects of the Ministerial Code that he deems to be relevant.

All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx

Parliament was advised on 3 August 2020 about the terms of the remit for the Ministerial Code referral in PQ answer S5W-31054. The decision to proceed with a referral and the setting of its terms are consistent with the provisions set out in the Ministerial Code and have been agreed with the Independent Adviser. The terms of the remit address the concerns that have been raised about the First Minister’s compliance with specific aspects of the Code in relation to certain meetings and other contacts, as described in the remit. As indicated by the First Minister at First Minister’s Questions on 29 October, in delivering the remit the Independent Adviser is not constrained in taking evidence and reporting on other aspects of the Ministerial Code that he deems to be relevant.

All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx

The Scottish Government acknowledge the importance of visits for women and infants in the Mother and Baby Units. Family-centred care is core to the delivery of perinatal mental health services. Wherever possible, the Mother and Baby Units are working to facilitate visiting in accordance with the relevant guidance.

Updated Visiting Guidance for Hospitals in Scotland was published on 2 November 2020, which aligns each stage of visiting to the Tiers in Scotland’s Strategic Framework, to encourage person-centred visiting, provide clear information and most importantly promote safety for patients, staff, visitors and communities.

St John’s Mother and Baby Unit, NHS Lothian and Leverndale Mother and Baby Unit, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde are both currently operating under Tier 3 of the Framework. This includes essential visits only, where it is imperative that a relative or friend is allowed to see their loved one in a number of exceptional circumstances. These include mental health issues, where the absence of a visitor would cause distress or any other situation where clinical staff assess that it is essential to involve family or carers for ethical or patient safety reasons.

Additionally, if clinicians at hospital level judge it to be safe and appropriate, one designated visitor may be allowed if they observe physical distancing, wear a face covering, as well as any further PPE that the area being visited considers necessary.

Parliament was advised on 3 August 2020 about the terms of the remit for the Ministerial Code referral in PQ answer S5W-31054. The decision to proceed with a referral and the setting of its terms are consistent with the provisions set out in the Ministerial Code and have been agreed with the Independent Adviser. The terms of the remit address the concerns that have been raised about the First Minister’s compliance with specific aspects of the Code in relation to certain meetings and other contacts, as described in the remit. As indicated by the First Minister at First Minister’s Questions on 29 October, in delivering the remit the Independent Adviser is not constrained in taking evidence and reporting on other aspects of the Ministerial Code that he deems to be relevant.

All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx

Parliament was advised on 3 August 2020 about the terms of the remit for the Ministerial Code referral in PQ answer S5W-31054. The decision to proceed with a referral and the setting of its terms are consistent with the provisions set out in the Ministerial Code and have been agreed with the Independent Adviser. The terms of the remit address the concerns that have been raised about the First Minister’s compliance with specific aspects of the Code in relation to certain meetings and other contacts, as described in the remit. As indicated by the First Minister at First Minister’s Questions on 29 October, in delivering the remit the Independent Adviser is not constrained in taking evidence and reporting on other aspects of the Ministerial Code that he deems to be relevant.

All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx

This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court and Tribunals Service (SCTS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the Chief Executive of the SCTS who will reply in writing within 20 days.

Repeated cleansing and use of alcohol gel can result in increased dryness in hands which can worsen symptoms for those with eczema or other dermatitis conditions. Understandably, sufferers may be reluctant to use alcohol gels when entering retail, hospitality and any other indoor settings.

The Scottish Government is however not currently considering introducing an exemption card for people who are unable to use hand-sanitiser for medical reasons. In addition to physical distancing, good hygiene is the most effective measure in preventing the spread of Covid-19. Besides the use of alcohol gel, the guidance advises that washing your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds, catching coughs and sneezes in a disposable tissue and placing this in a bin, and avoiding touching your face is effective in preventing the spread of the virus.

The Scottish Government is clear that the risk to the public from COVID remains significant, especially for those in higher risk categories. For this reason, it is critical that everyone follow our FACTS guidance, namely:

• Face Coverings in enclosed spaces
• Avoid crowded places
• Clean hands and surfaces regularly
• Two-metre distancing; and
• Self-isolate and book a test if you have symptoms

The Scottish Government continues to monitor the transmission of Covid-19, including in retail settings. Guidance for the retail sector which set out our expectations on the steps that retail business should take to safely conduct business was published in May 2020. We have worked with employers and trade unions to ensure that this guidance is evidence-based, fair and ethical, clear and realistic.

Since then a range of additional measures have been introduced depending upon the sector and the risks posed, including the wearing of face coverings, physical distancing, additional cleaning regimes, test and protect and isolating cases. We will continue to work with sector leads to protect workers and customers in retail settings.

We updated our Regulations on 10 October to ensure supermarkets take all reasonable measures to ensure that a distance of two metres is maintained between any persons on the premises, with the exception of those within the same household or a carer assisting another person. They must also take all reasonable measures to ensure that it only admits people to its premises in sufficiently small numbers to make it possible to maintain that distance. This includes those queueing awaiting entry to the premises.

We continue to monitor the transmission of Covid in retail settings and, if appropriate, we will amend the guidance and Regulations currently in place.