Isles FM News in association with Hebrides News: Monday 11th May 2020

SCOT GOV ADVICE ON GOING OUTDOORS

Scottish Government guidelines, during the Covid-19 pandemic remain the same, for the next 3 weeks except: People can go outside more than once a day to exercise. This activity should continue to be undertaken close to home. Those going out to exercise should either go alone, or with members of their household.

The First Minister said: “The core principles of lockdown in Scotland remain the same, people should stay at home to help save lives and protect the NHS.
It is vitally important that anyone going out, maintains physical distancing and strict hygiene measures, in order to ensure we don’t lose ground. The public are encouraged to consider wearing a facial covering in enclosed spaces, where physical distancing is more difficult and where there is a risk of close contact people out with their household.

Read more: Isles FM News in association with Hebrides News: Monday 11th May 2020

Isles FM News in association with Hebrides News: Friday 8th May 2020

PPE FOR CARE STAFF

Community Wind Farm charity, Point and Sandwick Trust, working in partnership with Lews Castle College UHI, have delivered further PPE (personal protective equipment) to NHS Western Isles. This week’s delivery includes the first batch of safety visors, for care home staff across the Western Isles.

Staff from the college and the wind farm charity, have been working together, to produce PPE for the islands’ frontline. The safety visors are made using facilities, at the windfarm-sponsored Innovation Centre at the college.

The safety visors come in two parts. The plastic headbands are manufactured at the college using a 3D printer and disposable clear plastic sheets are attached to clips, on the headbands to function as face shields.

The aim is for all care staff who need a visor, to have their own headband, which can be cleaned by washing in hot soapy water, and enough face sheets, which can be changed at regular intervals.

Read more: Isles FM News in association with Hebrides News: Friday 8th May 2020

Isles FM News in association with Hebrides News: Thursday 7th May 2020

CARERS ALLOWANCE SUPPLEMENT

The Scottish Government, is proposing an additional £19.2 million investment, in Carer’s Allowance Supplement. This is in recognition of the additional pressure, that carers are under, as a result of the ongoing pandemic.

If approved by parliament, eligible carers will get an extra £230.10 through a special one-off Coronavirus Carer’s Allowance Supplement in June.
Carers are not required to register to get this extra payment, as it will be paid automatically, to those in receipt of Carer’s Allowance.

Shirley-Anne Somerville, Cabinet Secretary for Social Security and Older People, said: “We introduced the Carer’s Allowance Supplement to recognise the important contribution unpaid carers play in our society. They provide vital support to family, friends and neighbours. Our collective efforts to slow the spread of coronavirus, will see many of these carers experiencing additional pressures, particularly financial, right now”.

Read more: Isles FM News in association with Hebrides News: Thursday 7th May 2020

Isles FM News in association with Hebrides News : Wednesday 6th May 2020

SPECIAL MEASURES FOR COMHAIRLE MEETING

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, have special measures in place, to allow a meeting of the Comhairle, today Wednesday 6th May. This will be the first time such a format has been adopted.

As a result of the COVID-19 crisis, committee meetings have been temporarily suspended, but items will be considered at the full meeting of the Comhairle.

Most Members of the Comhairle will attend on a virtual basis. An archive recording of the meeting, will be available on the Comhairle website shortly afterwards.

Read more: Isles FM News in association with Hebrides News : Wednesday 6th May 2020