Staff Bulletin - 5 August 2020

Date Published: 05 August 2020

Today’s edition contains important information about lockdown arrangements announced by the Scottish government today (Wed, Aug 5). Please take the time to read this bulletin and share it with colleagues as appropriate.

Local lockdown announced for Aberdeen  

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has confirmed that a local lockdown has been agreed for Aberdeen from today (Wednesday) following a spike in coronavirus cases.  

The decision has been made by the Scottish Government in discussion with Police Scotland, NHS Grampian and Aberdeen City Council. 

The lockdown affects all locations with the Aberdeen City boundary only.  

While there are currently no restrictions for Aberdeenshire, the Scottish Government is asking people not to travel into the city until further notice. 

The following guidance takes effect with immediate effect:

• Aberdeen residents should not travel more than five miles for leisure or recreation, but may continue to travel for work or education
• Aberdeen residents should not go into each other’s homes, although extended household groups can continue
• Those who are currently visiting Aberdeen can stay in the city but should follow the guidance and take extra care
• Those who are not in Aberdeen should not travel into the city

All indoor and outdoor hospitality venues in Aberdeen, such as bars, cafes and restaurants, are being asked to close by 5pm today (Wednesday). Hotel restaurants can remain open to provide food for existing guests, and takeaway services can continue.

The Scottish Government is protecting the ability for young people to return to education next week as previously outlined. This means that if you live in Aberdeenshire but go to school in the city or work in a city school (and vice versa), you will be required to attend school next week as planned. 

Test and Protect team are continuing to trace close contacts of individuals associated with the spike in figures. Anybody who is contacted is asked to comply with advice. 

More than 20 bars and cafes have been identified as part of the process. Anybody who has been at any of the premises in the last two weeks is asked to remain vigilant. 

Everybody in Scotland is asked to follow the FACTS: 

• Face coverings in enclosed spaces
• Avoid crowded places indoors and outdoors
• Clean your hands and hard surfaces
• Two metre distancing
• Self-isolate and book a test if you have symptoms

Aberdeenshire Council Leader urges everybody to follow guidance

Leader of Aberdeenshire Council Cllr Jim Gifford is encouraging everybody in Aberdeenshire to stay alert and to follow the guidelines announced today.

He said: “Through COVID-19, it has been widely accepted that local outbreaks were a real risk. The decision to apply restrictions in Aberdeen City has been taken as a result of Public Health advice, and it is that Public Health advice which is of the highest priority.
 
“We must all be aware of these local restrictions and ensure we are doing everything in our power to stop local outbreaks becoming more widespread. This has implications on almost everyone and our approach to tackling this must be done as a region.

“We encourage people in Aberdeenshire to make themselves aware of the restrictions and not travel. Meanwhile, we also encourage people in the city boundary to stick to the travel limits and prevent spread into part of Aberdeenshire.
 
“It is incumbent on everyone to adopt all the measures in order to help keep each other safe.”

Working from home remains preferred option 

Both phases two and three of the Scottish Government’s route map to emerge from lockdown make clear that working from home remains the default option. 

This means that it will only be possible to work from council offices where there is an essential need. Permission should be obtained by a line manager who will in turn seeks approval from a head of service. 

Director of Education and Children’s Services Laurence Findaly, who is acting Chief Executive this week, said: “Today’s announcement by the First Minister highlights that we are not out of the woods yet in terms of the ‘new normal’ emerging.

“Your safety is of paramount importance, so for those colleagues who live in Aberdeen please adhere to the rules that are currently in place. 

“I have been impressed how colleagues have embraced digital technology over the course of the lockdown. I have no doubt there will continue to be excellent examples of ingenuity shown by colleagues and elected members to keep business continuity over the weeks and months ahead.

“If you have any questions or concerns please speak to your line manager or use the free confidential employee assistance programme ‘time for talking.’ Thanks again for your co-operation during these challenging times.” 

If you need to a refresher on your working from home set up guidance on working from home is available on Arcadia.

Update for parents and carers from Education and Children’s Services

Updated guidance is being sent to all parents and carers ahead of schools returning next week and will be available on the council’s website too. 

Laurence added: "We are keen to reassure parents and that every effort is being made to ensure children and young people can safely return to school next week. More detailed information is being sent out to families and schools will be continuing to engage at a local level.
 
"Providing there are no shielding requirements, parents are encouraged to enable their children to return to school and we will work with families to address any specific concerns they may have. However, the Scottish Government has indicated that parents will not face fines and further guidance is awaited on how any absences relating to parents choosing to keep their children off school should be recorded."

Next steps

The Scottish Government will review the situation in seven days but warns the lockdown might be extended.

Further information about the Aberdeen lockdown and related advice is available via https://www.gov.scot/
Information about Test and Protect can be found via NHS Inform​.