Covid Update
Over the last 7 days there have 34 new positive cases in Highland (to 16th June), a fall from the 41 reported last week. This means the latest rate per 100,000 has decreased from 17.4 per 100,000 last week to 14.4 per 100,000 as of 14th June. In terms of neighbourhood data, the data highlights that there remain cases in Fort William follow the outbreak there a couple of weeks ago and there have also been cases reported in Wick and the central area of Ross and Cromarty. Recent increases do highlight the need to remain vigilant and to stick to the FACTS – Face Coverings, Avoid Crowds, Clean Hands, Two Metres, Self Isolate.
Community Testing 21 June – 25 June
For groups in Alness, the community testing unit will be at Obsdale Road car park next week on the following days and times:
- Monday 21 June 9.30 to 16.30.
- Tuesday 22 June 9.30 to 16:30
- Wednesday 23 June 9.30 to 16:30
For groups in Invergordon, the community testing unit will be at at the car park by Norman’s Lane on the following days and times:
- Thursday 24 June 9:30 to 16:30
- Friday 25 June 9:30 to 15:00
The community testing programme offers rapid COVID-19 tests for people without symptoms. Just to emphasise that there is no outbreak in Alness or Invergordon but this is to support normalising testing across the area. No appointment is necessary and it will be open both for asymptomatic testing and to collect LFD test kits. I would appreciate it if you could encourage people across your networks to attend.
Connecting Scotland Programme – phase 3
The Connecting Scotland Programme aims to get 60,000 digitally excluded households online by the end of 2021. Phase 3 of the programme is now open for organisations to apply under three strands of activity:
- Fast track – for organisations who have identified up to ten people they are currently working with at risk of social isolation and loneliness. There is a particular focus on older people, disabled people and single parents.
- Social housing fast track – for housing associations and other social housing providers to rapidly distribute up to 100 devices to tenants at risk of social isolation and loneliness.
- Employability – for organisations working to remove barriers related to digital exclusion for unemployed young people and adults (aged 16+)
Organisations can apply for support on behalf of the people they work with. Support includes:
- Digital devices – iPads and/or Chromebooks
- Internet connectivity – a mobile WiFi hotspot with 24 months unlimited data
- Training and support – for staff and volunteers to become ‘digital champions’ to support people to use the internet confidently and safely
Further details can be found at: https://connecting.scot/organisations
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service – consultation on how the service will develop
The SFRS have launched the Long-term Vision Public Consultation to hear views on plans for how the Service should evolve over the next decade and beyond. The vision was recently approved by the SFRS Board and they are now moving to external engagement through a six-week public consultation exercise.
Through the consultation, they are seeking views from the Scottish public, local communities and from public and third sector partners on how SFRS should evolve over the next decade and beyond. They note the need to evolve in order to respond effectively to the nation’s changing needs and challenges so that they can provide the best fire and rescue service and do more to achieve a safer Scotland for all.
The consultation ends on 18th July and can be accessed at this link https://firescotland.citizenspace.com/sfrs-communications/sfrs-long-term-vision/
The consultation involves a survey which takes 5 minutes to complete.
Should you have any queries on this, please do contact: sfrs.ourvisionconsultation@firescotland.gov.uk
Alison Clark
Head of Policy
Highland Council