As set out in our Clinical and Scientific review of the Testing Strategy, the consensus clinical view of the prioritisation of capacity, over and above that required to meet symptomatic demand, clinical care requirements and existing commitments, is that the focus in any extension of routine regular asymptomatic testing should be on protecting those most vulnerable to severe harm. Further details of the review can be found here: https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-review-of-testing-strategy-october-2020/

In line with clinical priorities we have broadened NHS staff testing to include patient facing NHS staff in hospitals and expanded care home testing to visiting professionals and visitors, care at home staff, personal assistants, staff working in sheltered accommodation and housing with multiple occupancies and day services.

As the First Minister outlined to Parliament on 2 February, the next phase of our testing expansion will include widening the regular testing of healthcare workers to cover primary care workers in patient-facing roles such as general practitioners, dentists, optometrists and pharmacists. We also intend to expand the availability of regular testing in other health settings such as addiction and mental health services.

Decisions on making testing available to new groups are based on careful consideration of the benefits, limitations and operational implications of broadening access to testing for those who do not have symptoms. We will continue to keep the position on testing under review, in light of relevant health protection advice.

Testing is only one measure of protection against COVID-19, and must be seen alongside a strong emphasis on robust infection prevention and control measures, including the use of PPE, the extended use of face masks, physical distancing and good hygiene.

Returning Officers are responsible for delivering elections, including the operation of polling stations and assessing safety. Decisions on use of locations are being made on a case-by-case basis, informed by each Council’s Health and Safety assessments, public health advice and using risk assessment tools and guidance for electoral professionals produced by the Electoral Management Board for Scotland (EMB) and the Electoral Commission.

The Coronavirus regulations set out which business premises are required to restrict access or to close at level 4.

Car valeting businesses are not currently restricted by the regulations . All businesses which continue to operate in level 4 must adhere to the published guidance and regulations to reduce the risk of transmission and keep their workforce and the public safe.

The payment process for third, voluntary, charitable or private sector providers opened on 1 February. There are approximately 170,000 people working for 1,200 employers, plus personal assistants in adult social care. Whilst this means some complexity, we are working urgently with partners to ensure the relevant information is submitted and payments are made as soon as possible.

Regrettably, Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has confirmed that these payments made to employees are regarded as earnings and will be liable for tax, national insurance contributions and student loan repayments, where appropriate. The Scottish Government cannot give tax guidance as this matter is reserved for HMRC. The Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport is writing to UK Government to ask that this payment be exempt from tax and benefits calculations.

Work is underway in delivering the Framework for Supporting People through Recovery and Rehabilitation. The National Advisory Board for Rehabilitation was established in December last year (2020) and is supporting with this implementation work.

The Scottish Government is meeting regularly with key stakeholders to ensure they are properly involved in the implementation of the Framework. This has included engagement with the British Healthcare Trades Association and we continue to work with them, and others, as we deliver the key priorities in the Framework.

An audit of shared optometry clinics is currently being undertaken by Public Health Scotland. This audit will consider the number of patients seen, location of where patients are being seen, as well as current ‘did not attend’ (DNA) rate. This audit is currently being reconciled against Health Boards plans.

In addition, a qualitative evaluation is planned to assess the patient experience of optometry. This results if this evaluation will be published in due course.

As outlined in the vaccine deployment plan, Health Boards are responsible for identifying suitable sites for mass vaccination centres that meet the needs of their areas. We expect boards to arrange for free parking to be provided for vaccinators and understand that NHS Lothian had factored into its planning some parking provision for vaccinators.

David Small, Director of Primary Care Transformation and Vaccination Programme Lead, NHS Lothian said: “Many of our vaccinations will be travelling from across Lothian as part of the massive vaccination programme. This will also include some staff working out of hours. We have now secured free parking for those staff that require it the most.”

Since 2004 the Scottish Government has made available funding to local authorities to support awareness raising around the potential health impacts of vehicle idling, and the associated law. 12 local authorities are currently making use of this funding, employing a mix of advertising media and direct contact with the public.

For example, the East Central Scotland Vehicle Emissions Partnership (comprising West Lothian, East Lothian, Midlothian, Falkirk and Stirling Councils) operates the Switch Off and Breathe campaign to help raise awareness. Further information can be found at https://switchoffandbreathe.org/ .

I refer to my letter sent to all members on 16 July 2020 which confirmed that EU citizens who hold Settled Status under the UK Government EU Settlement Scheme will continue to be eligible to access home fee status and support from Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS).