Question reference: S5W-33200
- Asked by: David Stewart, MSP for Highlands and Islands, Scottish Labour
- Date lodged: 12 November 2020
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Current status: Answered by Paul Wheelhouse on 30 November 2020
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with Serco NorthLink Ferries on measures to track and trace (a) passengers and (b) employees during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Answer
There is weekly dialogue with Serco NorthLink Ferries (SNF) and Transport Scotland on behalf of the Scottish Government in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic, including full discussions when there are concerns on Covid-19 operational issues or guidance has changed.
Due to Maritime Law SNF capture passenger details and engage with relevant health authorities to assist in the track and trace process. This robust protocol is not unique to Covid-19, but has been used with other health related issues in the past.
All SNF staff have been encouraged, as have our passengers to download the NHS Scotland Protect App. Regular briefings reinforce both FACTS message and the benefit to society of using the track, trace and isolate protocols. Risk Assessments for all staff are regularly reviewed and Covid-19 specific communication chains are in place both on board and ashore.