Question reference: S5W-33931
- Asked by: Dean Lockhart, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
- Date lodged: 9 December 2020
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Current status: Answered by Jeane Freeman on 29 January 2021
Question
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the statement by the First Minister on 8 December 2020 (Official Report, c. 11), whether it will publish the public health data that was used to inform the decision to place the Stirling Council area under Level 3 COVID-19 restrictions, and what its response is to reports that public health officials had advised that a move to Level 2 would have been more appropriate.
Answer
Decisions on levels, both initially and on review, carry significant consequences, for the communities they affect and for Scotland as a whole and we are committed to ensuring decisions are informed by data and analysis. The evidence is assessed through a process that is open, transparent and collaborative so that restrictions are not kept in place longer than is strictly necessary to achieve the aim of suppressing the virus. It is important to note that there are no set triggers for moving between levels. Instead we have a range of indicators which might suggest that a review of the position may be necessary. Wider considerations also have been taken into account
In line with the process set out in the allocations document, the National Incident Management Team (NIMT), chaired by Public Health Scotland and including representatives from local government as observers, meet to discuss the latest analysis of data, which is agreed with local partners including Directors of Public Health. The NIMT then provide advice to a group made up of the Scottish Government’s chief advisers and lead officials representing the “four harms” and observers from local government. This group helps form recommendations for Ministers on allocation of levels, which are subsequently agreed at Cabinet.
Each week we publish the considerations and analysis that have informed the review. This week that included considerations regarding the imminent festive period and in order to safely allow limited gathering over Christmas, a deliberately cautious approach was taken. Lowering prevalence of the virus prior to the festive period is key to avoiding the need for more restrictive measures in the new year and to ensure that the NHS does not become overwhelmed by COVID-19 in January, which is traditionally the most challenging time for it. It is vital that the risk that gatherings of family and friends poses to further spread of the virus is managed carefully to ensure that the hard work and sacrifices of people and businesses across Scotland are not undermined.