Scotland - Framework out of the pandemic - 23rd February 2021

[Scotrail12]

We literally had 0 deaths today - she cannot delay it!

 

[Gadget88]

We literally had 0 deaths today - she cannot delay it!

Cases below 400 too!

 

[DB]

Sturgeon has said lockdown exit could be delayed due to football fans gathering today.

The usual petty threats - if you are naughty children and don't do what you are told then you will be grounded for a bit longer...

I make 33 crossing points, including two by rail. It's late and I might have missed some tracks in the mountainous interior.

Obviously the trains would either be ordered stopped outright or all ordered to stop at the first station in Scotland, where the train would be cleared and the passengers inspected.

Rule of thumb is six staff for one 24 hour covered position, so two officers at each border crossing 24 hours a day would only require 396 personnel.

Police Scotland has 17,259 sworn constables on strength.
It's well within their capability.

It might not be sensible, but it is certainly feasible.

So two officers to cover a Pendolino full of people? Or even worse to cover a motorway? Hardly going to work, is it?

 

[kez19]

Sturgeon has said lockdown exit could be delayed due to football fans gathering today.

Right... she shed tears when she saw people on beaches last year..Jesus wept.

The usual petty threats - if you are naughty children and don't do what you are told then you will be grounded for a bit longer...



So two officers to cover a Pendolino full of people? Or even worse to cover a motorway? Hardly going to work, is it?

Sturgeon getting her knickers in a knot over football and celebrating, she is indeed a pooper.

We are adults remember, Sturgeon encourages adult conversations, sorry childish conversations guess this will be brought up in her Covid briefings tomorrow? (it’s getting boring now rinse/repeat - Sturgeon needs to change the record)

 

[devon_metro]

Sturgeon has said lockdown exit could be delayed due to football fans gathering today.

Yes and look how well "lockdown" is going today. She can delay it as much as she likes, it will be ignored by many.

 

[HSTEd]

So two officers to cover a Pendolino full of people? Or even worse to cover a motorway? Hardly going to work, is it?

Well they could just order all Pendolinos stopped?

Also the devolved administrations are entitled to request Military Aid to the Civil Power.

And we can have yet another constitutional crisis if Westminster doesn't go along (which it almost certainly wouldn't)

 

[Journeyman]

Right... she shed tears when she saw people on beaches last year..Jesus wept.

Studies have shown those beach gatherings had virtually no effect on the spread of COVID.

 

[DB]

Studies have shown those beach gatherings had virtually no effect on the spread of COVID.

There is no requirement for evidence these days - they are quite happy to make rules both ways (mandating that you have to do things, and banning things) which have no measurable impact.

 

[kez19]

Studies have shown those beach gatherings had virtually no effect on the spread of COVID.

I read that too...irony! Media whipped up a frenzy on that front didn’t they (even she did too)

There is no requirement for evidence these days - they are quite happy to make rules both ways (mandating that you have to do things, and banning things) which have no measurable impact.

More what benefits them than the public

Yes and look how well "lockdown" is going today. She can delay it as much as she likes, it will be ignored by many.

The thing will be what happened in Glasgow she’ll punish the rest of Scotland, that’ll go down well for a second time (this is one that would look it’ll backfire spectacularly on her)

 

[Carlisle]

I make 33 crossing points, including two by rail. It's late and I might have missed some tracks in the mountainous interior.

Thanks, that’s a statistic I’d wanted to work out or look up for ages, but never got round to it .

 

[Jamesrob637]

We literally had 0 deaths today - she cannot delay it!

Does Scotland report deaths on a weekend?

 

[RomeoCharlie71]

Does Scotland report deaths on a weekend?

Yes, but they are usually less than during the week. Last weekend it was 2 reported Sunday, 0 reported Monday (because registry offices tend to be closed on Sunday).

 

[Jamesrob637]

Yes, but they are usually less than during the week. Last weekend it was 2 reported Sunday, 0 reported Monday (because registry offices tend to be closed on Sunday).

Well given how much death tolls have tumbled this month so far, it's probably no mistake that no deaths were reported yesterday, and possibly 0 or 1 today also.

 

[RomeoCharlie71]

Blimey, a Holyrood leak Aunty Nicola won't be happy!

Covid in Scotland: Restrictions on outdoor meetings to be eased

Nicola Sturgeon is expected to announce a limited easing of some lockdown restrictions at Holyrood.

www.bbc.co.uk

Covid in Scotland: Restrictions on outdoor meetings to be eased
Covid-19 restrictions in Scotland are expected to be eased slightly to allow more people to meet up outdoors.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will update MSPs about the state of the pandemic and lockdown at Holyrood.

On Monday, her deputy John Swinney said "the data is going in the right direction" and that ministers were "hopeful" that measures could be eased.

However the overall "stay at home" order is expected to remain in place for some weeks to come.

Mr Swinney said changes would have to be made in a "sustainable" manner so that transmission of the virus does not run out of control again.

At present, only two people from two households are allowed to socialise outdoors in Scotland.

This was due to increase to four people from two households from 15 March, but this is expected to be brought forward as a result of progress in suppressing new cases.

The move - dubbed "relatively minor but important" by Ms Sturgeon on Friday - may also see more young people allowed to participate in non-contact sports.

More pupils are expected to return to classrooms from next Monday, including remaining primary school years and some secondary students.

By late April, the government hopes to move back to a local "levels" system of regional restrictions across Scotland, albeit with tougher rules than before.

Ms Sturgeon will review the latest advice and data with her cabinet ministers on Tuesday morning, before announcing their decisions in the Holyrood chamber in the afternoon.

On Monday, Mr Swinney said there were "a lot of grounds for optimism" - but warned that changes would have to be made carefully.

He said: "The number of cases is falling, the test positivity rate is low, the vaccination programme is going well and the pressure on our hospitals, while still significant, is not as grave as it was earlier on.

"The first minister has been clear that we will try to relax lockdown as quickly as we possibly can do, but we have to do it in a sustainable manner.

"That means taking the appropriate steps in the appropriate sequence to make sure we don't risk the virus running away from us again."

Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross welcomed the plans, saying the government had not "given enough hope" to people when setting out its path for easing lockdown.

The data in most of Scotland is looking increasingly hopeful. The Scottish government wants to ease restrictions cautiously and steadily, but the First Minister has indicated they could be eased earlier if safe to do so.

One important piece of data is the number of Covid cases relative to the size of the population - the rate per 100,000.

Under this measure, most of Scotland would now cross the threshold for Level 2 restrictions from 26 April.

However, much of the central belt still has numbers which point to Level 3, while Clackmannanshire still hasn't quite reached this level.

Today's announcement is expected to focus on relaxation of rules for meeting outdoors, but there is cause for growing optimism that other restrictions could be eased earlier than planned.

An announcement on this may come next week, so it is worth watching the figures to see if they continue to move the right way.

 

[devon_metro]

I'd rather they started opening some things up that you can actually do. I don't know, maybe allow me to spend some money? Being able to meet more people in a muddy park is hardly an easing of restrictions when I can go to the supermarket and mix with loads of people anyway...

 

[kez19]

Blimey, a Holyrood leak Aunty Nicola won't be happy!

Covid in Scotland: Restrictions on outdoor meetings to be eased

Nicola Sturgeon is expected to announce a limited easing of some lockdown restrictions at Holyrood.

www.bbc.co.uk

Level 2? Did any of us ever get that far?, surely if its Level 2 for most (let alone 3) surely more things should be open and even the Stay at home messaging should be dropped?

 

[Gadget88]

Sounds like the levels could keep scotland in permanent lockdown rather than returning to normal by June?

 

[RomeoCharlie71]

Sounds like the levels could keep scotland in permanent lockdown rather than returning to normal by June?

Correct, unless she magically receives evidence to suggest a different approach, probably conveniently before May 6th.

 

[Gadget88]

Correct, unless she magically receives evidence to suggest a different approach, probably conveniently before May 6th.

In England lockdown is meant of be irreversible if she magically puts Glasgow into level four again surely that could cost businesses? Surely it can’t happen anymore once Furlough finally ends?

 

[Huntergreed]

In England lockdown is meant of be irreversible if she magically puts Glasgow into level four again surely that could cost businesses? Surely it can’t happen anymore once Furlough finally ends?

Do you really think economic harms are important in the minds of Sturgeon, Devi and Swinney et al just now?

Sadly, this is true and it will be disastrous, but the current strategy is to return to a much harsher and stricter version of the levels system and remain in this indefinitely until such a time as “ZERO-COVID” is achieved throughout Scotland. Whilst this is bonkers, this is the strategy outlined in the strategic framework and it the current strategy being pursued in Scotland.

Personally, I think she will have little choice but to change her approach (likely just before the May elections) but, at least for another month or two, we’re going to be living under the guise of a government pursuing elimination outright.

First Minister's Statement - 09/03/2021 14:20:

Update to some changes on lockdown restrictions regarding outdoor mixing and activities. The changes are minor, but overall are important for wellbeing. These represent a positive step towards normality.

Next week a fuller lockdown exit strategy (covering the period after late April) will be presented to the parliament.

The first minister shares the frustrations of everyone towards the conduct of football fans at the weekend, the behaviour was 'disgraceful' and 'selfish' (directly quoted). Nobody should doubt the dangerous, difficult position this puts the police in. Rangers FC could have done more to avoid this and should partly accept and hold responsibility for this.

Given the fragility of the situation, this cannot be turned a blind eye, and discussions will take place this week to evaluate whether future changes to the football/professional sporting industry are needed to prevent this conduct from occurring again.

Statistics:

466 Cases reported yesterday (3.3% positivity rate)
614 in Hospital (-40)
50 in ICU (-9)
Further 19 deaths reported after testing positive within previous 28 days, take the total to 7,441.

Plans for 23rd March (anniversary of lockdown) include a national silence and supporting communities to hold commemorative activities throughout the year (when safe).

All figures reported are much higher than wanted, but they are starting to come down and must continue to do so. All statistics have fallen significantly, and this is extremely positive.

Vaccination programme going very well, 1,789,377 people had their first dose as of 08:30am on 09/03/2021.

From the middle of this month onwards, vaccine supply rates will increase and lead to a very significant acceleration of the programme. Programme currently working through JCVI groups 6-7, aim to reach JCVI 1-9 by April, and all of these groups are now starting to be scheduled for vaccination. Many of those in this group have already had a dose due to having an underlying health condition.

Almost 40% of entire adult population has now had a first dose and this is significantly reducing deaths in care homes, and it is reducing illness, death and transmission in the general population.

Important to keep R number below one (to ensure cases fall, eventually aiming for elimination). This means timing is critical and we must not ease too quickly, cautious is still essential despite positive news. R not currently far below one, and the far more transmissible variant (B.1.1.7) accounts for 90% of cases in Scotland. It is possible that some of the steps taken already could push R above 1, and it is important as the vaccine does not produce absolute protection and Long COVID is a real risk. We cannot allow more people to get the virus to reduce the risk of new variants emerging.

Possible new case of Brazilian variant identified, but this is being isolated.

Summary: things are heading in the right direction but we cannot afford to let go too soon to allow for a more normal summer.

Children's education must be prioritised, meaning we must go slightly slower.

Meeting up outdoors can be hugely beneficial for wellbeing outdoors. From Friday, up to 4 adults from 2 households will be allowed to meet. This is allowed to be for social/recreation, not just exercise. Stay as close to home as possible. Hoping to be able to relax travel restrictions in weeks ahead, but not safe as of yet.

For 12-17 year olds: Outdoor meetings limited to 4 people from up to 4 households.

Outdoor non-contact sports can take place for up to 15 people from Friday.

Communal worship will now be permitted from Friday 26th March (in time for Easter) up to 50 people (provided 2m distancing is fully observed). Worship restrictions have been very difficult but necessary. Change is minor but proportionate.

Things are getting better, vaccine programme is beyond initial expectations (positivity). It is hopeful, but we must be cautious. The virus we are dealing with now is much more infectious than the variant we were dealing with in Autumn. Hoping for social interaction in months ahead.

Further, more substantial changes hoped for weeks ahead (to be announced next week), and easings of restrictions are potentially able to be brought forward if things improve quickly.

NS is certain that easing things too quickly would be a big mistake that we would regret, we must stay at home, follow FACTS and protect the NHS. We must keep case numbers down and take firm steps slowly back to life as we once knew it.

 

[RomeoCharlie71]

There is also to be a national silence to mark the anniversary of the first lockdown.

National silence to mark first anniversary of lockdown
In two weeks’ time – on 23 March - we will reach the first anniversary of lockdown.

The Scottish government has been in contact with a number of organisations to discuss how we can best mark that day, and on 22 March the first minister will meet representatives of UK Covid Families for Justice.

Current plans for 23 March include a national silence.

And "young people can travel "a bit" outside their local authority for organised outdoor activities." https://twitter.com/BBCScotlandNews/status/1369297417460461583

More fanciful stories from Holyrood it seems to make it look like they're easing restrictions considerably. What they seem to be turning a blind eye to is that... this has all been happening for 2 months anyway. So out of touch it's unbelieveable.

 

[DB]

There is also to be a national silence to mark the anniversary of the first lockdown.

What a ridiculous gesture of virtue signalling. Are we also going to see an annual national silence for people who die of flu / cancer / road accident, etc, etc?

 

[scotrail158713]

The changes on religious gatherings was a welcome move. The rest is, as @RomeoCharlie71 says, just what’s been happening already.

What difference is 2 people meeting outdoors compared to 4?

 

[Bantamzen]

A Scotland-wide minute's silence to mark lockdown? Dear me....

 

[scotrail158713]

A Scotland-wide minute's silence to mark lockdown? Dear me....

Indeed

 

[Scotrail12]

Stuff that Sturgeon - no thanks to the minute of silence.

 

[Journeyman]

Stuff that Sturgeon - no thanks to the minute of silence.

Yup. I'll be ignoring that completely.

 

[kez19]

The heck is a minute silence for the first lockdown?

Surprised she didn’t ask her just to clap instead!

Is this a new tradition for Scotland what’s next?

A wobble for Sturgeon?

A Scotland-wide minute's silence to mark lockdown? Dear me....

Can we have a minute silence for the first outbreak in Scotland...yes looking at you Nikegate..Edinburgh lol, just shows how out of depth she really is with society!

 

[takno]

There is also to be a national silence to mark the anniversary of the first lockdown.

I might be convinced to get some pots and pans out to bang for that

 

[kez19]

I might be convinced to get some pots and pans out to bang for that

May I suggest plates instead? lol