Nicola Sturgeon's Covid-19 update RECAP: First Minister set to address Scottish Parliament | Health Secretary Humza Yousaf preparing statement on Scotland's ambulance crisis
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Keep up-to-date with developments as the First Minister and Health Secretary deliver statements to MSPs.
Nicola Sturgeon and Humza Yousaf RECAP: Tuesday, September 21, 2021
Key Events
- FM to update MSPs on Covid-19 pandemic
- Yousaf preparing response to ambulance crisis
- A&E waiting times worst on record for fifth time in six weeks
On vaccine passports, FM: “I really do defend these in principle”.
FM says it would have been a “game changer” if Scotland had vaccine certificates last September as businesses wouldn’t have had to close.
Asked how many lives saved due to the vaccination programme, FM says that there is no way to say a specific number, she is in no doubt that the number will be “significant”.
FM: “To those who knowingly spread misinformation about vaccines, I have nothing but contempt for those in that category. People who are not only putting themselves at risk, but others too.”
Almost 3,000 new cases of coronavirus reported across the country
Covid Scotland: Almost 3,000 new cases of coronavirus reported across the country
The First Minister has provided an update on coronavirus in Scotland during a briefing in parliament.
FM says that her preference would be to not drop the requirement for testing for international travellers.
Rules around nightclubs are designed so that the venues are not at a “disadvantage”
FM says that they expect all nightclubs to check everybody entering the venue, not just “spot checks”.
FM says they are trying to avoid “market displacement” with the rules around nightclubs. She clarified that a venue would have to meet all of the four criteria set out before having to comply with the certification requirements.
Vaccine drop in centres for 12-15 year-old’s started yesterday .
FM: “All mainland health boards will have drop-in clinics operational by tomorrow.”
FM added that the Islands will take a slightly different approach due to the smaller populations.
FM says there has to be a “pragmatic and practical” approach to decisions around wearing face masks which explains an inconsistency in varying situations such as university lectures and student unions.
Asked if it is practical to introduce the vaccination programme in schools, FM said that the Chamber has already been in discussion about it.
FM said that drop-in centres are an easier way to get informed consent from parents but that vaccinations will be available at schools for pupils who were not able to attend a drop-in centre.