Coronavirus: Here’s evidence to show that ‘Scotland Cares’ – Angus Robertson

Thousands have already signed up for Scotland’s volunteer army to help in the fight against coronavirus. Less than 24 hours since the ‘Scotland Cares’ campaign was launched, people have been joining the length and breadth of the country. People who are healthy and not at risk from Covid-19 are being asked to volunteer to help give practical and emotional help to folks most at need.

Potential volunteers have been visiting the ‘Ready Scotland’ website at www.readyscotland.org to sign up for one of the three options: first, returning NHS workers who will help NHS Scotland directly; second, members of the public who want to support public services including the NHS and local authorities will volunteer through the British Red Cross; third, Volunteer Scotland is helping volunteers find charities and community groups working to deal with the impact of the pandemic. Information about the new volunteer initiative has been trending across social networks and been widely reported by the media. If you have any friends or family members who would like to take part, please can you share details of the Scottish Government’s ‘Ready Scotland’ resilience website and promote participation?

The ‘Scotland Cares’ campaign was launched yesterday by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Cabinet Secretary for Social Security and Older People Shirley-Anne Somerville and comes ahead of the peak of coronavirus cases, which is expected in the weeks ahead. As the lockdown continues and pressure grows on NHS Scotland, the thousands of volunteers are going to assist in a range of ways which will help the country get through the crisis.

Carriers may not display symptoms

Returning NHS workers will reinforce the healthcare frontline as acute services come under severe pressure with the increase in chronic cases. Volunteers from the general public will join the community reserve project run by the Red Cross with the NHS and local authorities, or as a community volunteer through Volunteer Scotland.

Everyone who has joined Scotland’s volunteer army to deal with coronavirus can’t be thanked enough, but the strong message is that the best thing that we can all do to support the NHS and keep people safe is to stay at home and to follow the Covid-19 advice.

Almost 100 patients are now in intensive care being treated for coronavirus in Scotland, while more than 40 people have already died. The official number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in the country is still less than 2000, but it is believed that tens of thousands of people are carrying the virus, with many not even displaying the symptoms.

Police start using new powers

No wonder national health officials are in overdrive reminding us about the importance of social distancing. Anyone who has been to the shops to pick up necessary supplies in recent days or taken the dog for a walk, will know there is much greater awareness about staying two metres apart.

However, some people still don’t understand this or don’t want to act responsibly. With new legislation just passed, the police are beginning to use their powers to enforce the rules to keep us all safe.

The overwhelming majority of people are following the health and safety guidance, and now an army of volunteers in Scotland will join the fight against coronavirus. To you all, and especially our amazing NHS staff, thanks very much.