Seòmar agus comataidhean

The Scottish Government has undertaken no specific analysis of the recent Covid-19 outbreak linked to the MV Isle of Lewis. However, Transport Scotland has maintained regular contact with CalMac. It remains the priority of CalMac to ensure the safety of passengers and crew by implementing Scottish Government guidelines regarding Covid-19.

CalMac remain in contact with the crew that tested positive for Covid-19 providing support as required.

NHS Scotland Test and Protect assisted with identifying which additional crew members required to self-isolate, the engineering crew did not need to self-isolate as they had been working as an independent bubble.

For those crew requiring to self-isolate, once their isolation period ends CalMac have advised they will fall back into their existing work rotations. For those who were not required to self-isolate, following the deep cleaning of the vessel they continued with their work rotation.

For CalMac staff and passengers who are concerned that they have come into contact with Coronavirus, the Test & Protect system will advise them if they require to self-isolate and if a Coronavirus test is required.

The relief crew did not recommence service on the MV Isle of Lewis until CalMac had arranged for the vessel to be deep cleaned.

This work is being led by Carolyn McDonald, our Chief Allied Health Professions Officer, supported by a newly appointed Allied Health Professions Advisor for Rehabilitation, to provide leadership and advice in delivering the plan across Scotland.

The next steps include establishing a National Advisory Board for Rehabilitation to provide expert advice to the Scottish Government and support leadership in NHS Boards and Integration Authorities and which will be established by the end of the year.

Project Torridon is the responsibility of CalMac. The Scottish Government has no involvement in evaluation of the bids received as the contractor delivering ferries for the Clyde and Hebrides Network.

We have closely engaged with all ferry operators throughout the pandemic to fully understand any impacts and mitigations which may be required. As yet, no issues have been raised in any of these discussions with regards to crew accessing public transport at the end of a shift. If the member is aware of any specific examples of difficulties they encountered, I would be keen to explore solutions to address them.

The Scottish Government has provided significant funding support to rail and bus operators, as well as ferry operators, to allow public transport services to continue to operate, particularly for key workers, including crew and staff delivering Scotland's ferry services.

Laboratories in Scotland have now implemented confirmation testing or repeat testing in certain circumstances to confirm whether weak positive test results are actually infectious cases.

Transport Scotland officials engaged with CalMac to understand whether any lessons could be learned or improvements made to their procedures.

CalMac follow Scottish Government guidelines to prevent the spread of the coronavirus for both their staff and passengers. They have robust cleaning regimes and protocols on-board to protect crew and passengers. These protocols are constantly reviewed and updated.

CalMac consulted with NHS Scotland Test and Protect service for advice on crew self-isolating requirements. For members of the crew that wanted to protect other members of their households, and so not isolate at home, CalMac arranged alternative accommodation.

CalMac maintained the continuity of lifeline services between Oban and Barra by redirecting the nearby Oban – Lochboisdale service to operate via Barra, and published a temporary timetable. In addition, CalMac provided an additional sailing on the Barra – Eriskay route for onward connection to Oban.

As we gather data on how vaccines confer immunity, we will explore the potential role of immunity passports.

However, even with a vaccine, Scotland will face restrictions for some time to come. This is because not all vaccines prevent transmission and some may instead reduce severity of symptoms. Full information about the impact of early Covid vaccines, including on whether they could prevent transmission, is not yet available.

Until we know more, we are unable to comment on the impact of immunity passports to help strengthen the air bridge system. In the meantime, restrictions will still be needed and it is critical that everyone continues to follow FACTS.

As with all our decisions, we will continue to prioritise public health.

The framework on recovery and rehabilitation from COVID-19 puts in place clear principles, priorities and objectives to support planning to meet increasing demand and to provide high quality person-centred rehabilitation in different settings.

This work is being led by Carolyn McDonald, our Chief Allied Health Professions Officer, supported by a newly appointed Allied Health Professions Advisor for Rehabilitation, to provide leadership and advice in delivering the plan across Scotland.

The next steps include establishing a National Advisory Board for Rehabilitation to provide expert advice to the Scottish Government and support leadership in NHS Boards and Integration Authorities.

It is anticipated that this work will closely align to existing rehabilitation pathways and strategies, developing a Once for Scotland Approach providing a practical, accessible strategy to deliver quality rehabilitation to everyone who needs it.

We expect the National Advisory Board for Rehabilitation to be established by the end of the year.

Under the EMAs, each Franchisee is obliged to act as a Good and Efficient Operator, which means broadly that they must not incur any unnecessary costs, the full requirements of which can be found in the EMA’s on Transport Scotland’s website.

To date, the Scottish Government has provided, or announced funding
totalling £35.8 million of capital and £357.5 million of resource during the
COVID-19 period to the bus industry through a number of programmes
which are detailed in the following tables. Where available, the conditions
placed on these funding streams are set out and the links provided.

BIB number - 61979