Nicola Sturgeon to give covid update today as cases continue to rise across Scotland - Daily Record

Nicola Sturgeon will give an update on the coronavirus situation in Scotland later as cases continue to rise.

The First Minister is expected to announce the latest covid figures and address the state of the pandemic across the country.

Over the last couple of weeks cases of the deadly virus have risen in Scotland which is down to the spread of the Delta variant which originated in India.

Chief Medical Officer Gregor Smith will join Sturgeon to help answer questions from journalists following an opening statement.

Yesterday, the Scottish Government announced five covid deaths in the last 24-hour period.

In the same time period a total of 3,799 people returned positive tests, which was a rise of more than 1,000 on the previous day.

Speaking yesterday Sturgeon confirmed the Scottish Government is reviewing the policy on self-isolation, including for school pupils, in light of the impact of the vaccine rollout.

She said the number of coronavirus infections in Scotland is "higher than we want them to be right now and higher than we should be comfortable with" but suggested we may be seeing a "stabilisation and a slowing-down of the rate of increase".

Here's all you need to know about the briefing:

What time is the briefing?

The SNP leader will get to the podium in St Andrew's House in Edinburgh at around 12.15pm.

She will give a short update on the recent numbers across the country then take questions from journalists on the state of the pandemic.

Where can I watch the briefing?

The Scottish Government's briefing on coronavirus will be streamed live on the Daily Record Facebook page from 12.15pm. You can watch it here.

It will also be available to watch on the Scottish Government Twitter account.

If you're out and about or sitting at work and can't watch the briefing then the Daily Record will be live blogging throughout.

To sign up to the Daily Record Politics newsletter, click here.

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2021-07-08 09:15:02Z
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COVID-19 UK Test & Trace: Govt 'looking at' possible solutions to app 'pinged' self-isolation - The Sun

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2021-07-08 09:07:28Z
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COVID-19: Double-jabbed Britons will be allowed to travel to 140 amber list countries with no quarantine on return - Sky News

Summer holidays are finally set for take-off as the government allows fully vaccinated travellers to avoid quarantine rules from later this month.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps is making a long-awaited Commons statement tearing up rules that currently force passengers returning from amber list countries to isolate for up to 10 days.

The change, which is expected to come as early as 19 July, will open up Europe's top holiday destinations including France, Spain, Portugal and Italy - and tour operators and airlines are prepared for a surge in demand.

While the removal of quarantine for double-jabbed Britons returning from amber list countries is a boost for families hoping to head for the sun, holidaymakers will have to take PCR tests on day two of their return.

Mr Shapps will tell MPs that children will be exempt from quarantine even though they are not vaccinated, but they too must have tests on day two of their return.

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Though the changes will be widely welcomed by those planning a summer getaway, they could add up to £400 for a holiday for a family of four with additional pre-departure tests.

Adults who have not had both jabs will still have to quarantine when they return from an amber list country, or face a fine of up to £10,000.

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Ahead of his statement, Mr Shapps told travel industry chiefs: "Day two testing will remain for arrivals from amber countries, regardless of vaccinated status, as this provides genomic sequencing capability to identify the risk of importing variants."

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Quarantine-free travel to EU 'in foreseeable future'

It is also expected that PCR tests for holidaymakers returning from quarantine-free green list countries such as Malta and the Balearic islands, will also remain in place for the same reason until at least 31 July, when the traffic light travel system will be reviewed for a second time.

The changes, being signed off by ministers on the cabinet's COVID-O Committee before Mr Shapps' statement, mean double-jabbed Britons will be able to travel to more than 140 countries on the amber list without quarantine on their return.

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COVID-19: Is the PM reopening too quickly?

Most European countries are currently on the amber list, as are the United States, Mexico, Thailand and many Caribbean destinations. Some have restrictions of either quarantine - five days for Italy - or pre-arrival tests.

Countries on the red list - including India, Turkey and Brazil - will be unaffected.

Paul Charles, chief executive of travel consultancy The PC Agency, has advised consumers to "lock in deals" before prices go up.

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'Cases are doubling every 11 days or so'

And EasyJet boss Johan Lundgren said: "For too long, Brits have been uncertain of when they can enjoy the same travel freedoms afforded by their jab as those in Europe and this is despite the huge success of our vaccination programme which has now successfully fully vaccinated around two thirds of UK adults.

"News on when quarantine will be removed for the double jabbed travelling from amber countries can't come soon enough."

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2021-07-08 04:41:15Z
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England fans party in the streets of London and scale double decker bus as they celebrate historic Three... - The Sun

THREE Lions fans roared out in joy as they partied on the streets of London with some even scaling a double decker bus.

Joyous scenes erupted throughout the city as jubilant fans celebrated England beating Denmark to make it to our first major tournament final in 55 years.

⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog

Fired-up fans climbed on top of a double decker bus in London to celebrate England's historic victoryCredit: Reuters

Supporters scaled a bus in London following the team's success at WembleyCredit: AP

Chaotic scenes have erupted across LondonCredit: Reuters

Some have scaled telephone boxes and lampposts amid the excitementCredit: AP

Pandemonium in Piccadilly CircusCredit: AFP

A fan waves an England flag following the team's successCredit: AP

Fired-up fans were caught on camera climbing onto a buses' roof in Piccadilly Circus before brandishing flags, dancing, and chanting as crowds swarmed the street below to celebrate of England's historic victory.

Supporters seemed little bothered for their own safety as they clambered aboard, despite the fact the vehicle was still trying to move down the road.

Picadilly was packed with crowds spilling onto roads and traffic was soon brought to a standstill by the jubilant crowds.

Other hyped daredevil fans mounted lampposts and telephone boxes amid the sheer pandemonium following the heart-stopping match.

Crowds could be heard chanting "England" in unison as the excitement gripping the nation shows no sign of stopping.

The nail-biting game at Wembley ended with a sensational win for Gareth Southgate's side - after the nation backed the boys for two hours in an electric semi-final showdown.

England fans joined the players in singing the iconic Sweet Caroline as the team celebrated their monumental win.

Fans stood with arms aloft in the stands to cheer on their heroes after victory was secured at the end of extra time.

Buzzing fans clambered on top of telephone boxesCredit: Reuters

England fans are partying in the streets following the sensational winCredit: AFP

Crowds of people have taken to the streets to celebrateCredit: Reuters

England crushed Denmark 2-1 in a nailbiting clash at WembleyCredit: Getty

Fans celebrate England's winCredit: Reuters

England have made it to a major tournament final for the first time in 55 yearsCredit: AFP

A huge crowd of fans along Wembley way following the matchCredit: PA

The nation backed the boys for two hours during the electric semi-final in packed pubs, bars, front rooms and in Wembley itself.

England fans joined the players in singing the iconic Sweet Caroline as the team celebrated their monumental win after a nail-biting finish in extra time.

After a tense 90 minutes finished 1-1, Three Lions fans were forced to endure the familiar pain of extra time in a semi-final.

In the first few minutes, England continued to drive forward - but could not find the back of the net.

But in the 12th minute, Raheem Sterling went crashing to the ground - winning England a PENALTY.

Harry Kane's shot was saved by Kasper Schmeichel - but the Spurs ace smashed the ball into the net on the rebound - putting England into the lead.

When the final whistle finally blew on a historic win - scenes of jubilation erupted across the country.

Fans then stormed bars and pubs following as the lads reigned victorious.

Countless pints were hurled into the air as fans embraced and cheered.

England will now take on Italy in the historic Euros final on Sunday - the first time the team has reached a final since 1966.

England make history and get through to the Euro 2020 final after beating Denmark

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2021-07-07 23:21:00Z
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Euro 2020: Excitement as England take on Denmark in semi-final - BBC News

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From living rooms to locals, fan zones and a packed Wembley stadium, fans are cheering on England as they face Denmark in the Euro 2020 semi-final.

Some 60,000 fans are watching in person at Wembley, with millions more cheering on the action on screen.

England fans are flying the flag for the Three Lions by decking out their streets, homes and pubs in red and white for the occasion.

A win would secure England a place in the Euros final for the first time.

A peak TV audience of 20.9 million watched England thrash Ukraine 4-0 in the quarter-finals last Saturday.

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Those with tickets to watch the match at Wembley Stadium have had to prove they are fully vaccinated via the NHS app, with both doses received at least 14 days before today.

Those not fully vaccinated had to show proof of a negative lateral flow test from the previous 48 hours. The stadium is at about 75% capacity, with the vast majority being England fans.

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For those packing into fan zones, no proof of test or quarantine was required, but people had to check in via the NHS Test and Trace app.

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In pubs and other venues, social distancing rules mean up to six people from six households, or two households of any size, can sit together inside or 30 outside.

Dan Hill

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2021-07-07 19:05:02Z
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Covid in Scotland: Two NHS Grampian hospitals at capacity as cases rise - BBC News

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Two more hospitals have been placed on "code black" status, having reached full capacity due to a rise in Covid cases.

NHS Grampian said Aberdeen Royal Infirmary and Dr Gray's Hospital in Elgin, Moray, had postponed all non-urgent procedures.

The health board blamed mounting pressures including staff absences due to self-isolation requirements.

Raigmore Hospital in Inverness earlier confirmed it was at code black.

Meanwhile, NHS Lanarkshire is considering scaling back non-urgent procedures because of "workforce pressures" and rising Covid admissions.

NHS Grampian medical director Professor Nick Fluck said choosing to cancel procedures or appointments was "never a decision we take lightly".

He added: "We will work to reschedule these, but we cannot offer any guarantees at present about when this might happen.

"If you are accessing any healthcare services, please be aware delays are likely."

• Dates for lifting restrictions 'not set in stone'
• Hospital at capacity amid increasing Covid cases
• NHS Lanarkshire warns of hospitals 'under pressure'

Prior to the NHS Grampian announcement, BMA Scotland warned action was needed within days to tackle "a very high level of pressure" on the NHS in Scotland due to the surge in coronavirus cases.

The doctors' trade union said hospitals may have to consider cancelling elective treatment unless measures are taken to ease pressure on staff.

Dr Lewis Morrison, BMA Scotland chairman, told BBC Scotland's Lunchtime Live radio programme that decisions needed to be made quickly regarding staff absences due to the requirement to self-isolate.

He said: "Raigmore is an example of what might well happen in other places in the NHS in Scotland if we don't take some action to deal with what is a very high level of pressure on healthcare, both in general practice and in hospitals, combined with rising Covid cases leading to a quite large number of staff having to self-isolate as contacts."

'Urgent talks'

Dr Morrison said any change in self-isolation policies for double-vaccinated healthcare staff would have to be safe for patients and staff themselves.

He said meetings were going ahead within the Scottish government "with some urgency" on the issue.

Dr Morrison added: "Within the next few days, I think some sort of decision needs to be made to assure the continuity of healthcare services in areas under these kind of pressures.

"It's as urgent as that, I think."

NHS Highland had said its area was seeing more than 100 cases on a daily basis. In June, it had more than 1,300 cases which is about a fifth of the health board's total number of cases since the start of the pandemic.

It said there were outbreaks in care homes, and on social media it has appealed to the public to follow advice on how prevent the spread of the virus with the message: "Highland Needs You".

• RULES: What are the restrictions in your area?
• EASING: What rules are changing, and when?
• CASES: Where are the latest cases in Scotland?
• WHO? The people who have died with Covid-19

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2021-07-07 18:09:28Z
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Covid in Scotland: NHS Lanarkshire warns of hospitals 'under pressure' - BBC News

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NHS Lanarkshire is considering scaling back non-urgent procedures because of "workforce pressures" and rising Covid admissions.

Emergency hospital treatment at the health board should only be sought as a "last resort", an A&E consultant has said.

Dr Calvin Lightbody said "huge numbers" of people were attending A&E with non-critical conditions like insect bites.

Staff shortages are also contributing to NHS pressure across Scotland.

NHS Lanarkshire said it had seen "unprecedented levels" of attendance at emergency departments and urged people to keep them "safe for those who need critical care".

• Hospital at capacity amid increasing Covid cases
• Restrictions to end despite recent surge in cases

Senior managers are also due to meet later to discuss reducing "elective care" services.

The board's chief executive Heather Knox said: "We have seen an increase in the number of people admitted to hospital with Covid-19 and this is an additional pressure while we are trying to recover services and treat those patients who need our care.

"We also have staffing pressures as we currently have staff who are having to self-isolating due to contacts out of work."

She added: "These combined pressures mean that we have had to take some difficult decisions. Unfortunately, we have had to cancel a number of planned surgeries at University Hospital Wishaw for the rest of this week.

"This is not a decision we take lightly and I would like to apologise for any upset caused."

Our A&E departments are extremely busy just now. Please keep our A&E’s safe for those who need critical care.
If you are looking for medical advice or need guidance around where you should turn to for healthcare, please visit NHS Inform
➡️ https://t.co/y0s8bT44Ar pic.twitter.com/YfIDq0Dwhc

— NHS Lanarkshire (@NHSLanarkshire) July 6, 2021

The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.View original tweet on Twitter

Nearly 700 people were admitted to accident and emergency across NHS Lanarkshire's three hospitals over the weekend.

Speaking in an NHS Lanarkshire social media video, Dr Calvin Lightbody said the "huge numbers" were as high as they had ever been over the last few years.

The number of patients allowed in waiting rooms has also been cut by more than half because of social distancing measures, the consultant said.

He added: "We're seeing a number of critically ill and seriously ill patients - chest pain, strokes, serious bleeding. That kind of thing.

"But we're also seeing a number of conditions that could be best seen elsewhere, so things like long-standing back pain, sore feet, minor rashes, insect bites. Things that really don't need to be in an accident and emergency department."

The health board is currently treating 45 Covid patients, according to the latest Scottish government figures.

Although the number has been rising recently, it is well below a peak of 367 patients in mid-January this year.

However, NHS staff absences because of Covid-19 across Scotland have also been rising in recent weeks, combining with one of the busiest holiday periods of the year to increase the pressures on the workforce.

Scottish Labour has called on Health Secretary Humza Yousaf to intervene, saying the issues at NHS Lanarkshire were a "direct result" of the Scottish government's failure to control the pandemic.

Scottish Labour health spokesperson Jackie Baillie said: "This is an incredibly worrying situation in Lanarkshire.

"We can now see the direct impact that the SNP's failure to control Covid is having on those in need of care and medical attention. If elective treatment is cancelled then waiting lists will grow ever longer.

"With NHS Lanarkshire at breaking point, Humza Yousaf simply must wake up and take action."

The Scottish government has been contacted for a response.

• RULES: What are the restrictions in your area?
• EASING: What rules are changing, and when?
• CASES: Where are the latest cases in Scotland?
• WHO? The people who have died with Covid-19

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2021-07-07 16:47:16Z
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