It was disappointing to see East Lothian topping the coronavirus infections table last week. No doubt it was related to the football, both those that headed to London and others who simply gathered at home. Waiting at King’s Cross for the train home I saw several trains arrive from Scotland and it was a largely a new generation of the… Read more »
In recent months, mobile COVID-19 testing units have been deployed to various locations around East Lothian. For the first time, a unit will be based and operating out of part of the John Muir House car park from Monday, 31 May. Demand for car parking in the John Muir House campus has been lower than ‘normal’ Testing will be available… Read more »
The Scottish Government have announced that: “free lateral flow home test kits will be available for pick up without an appointment from many local walk-in or drive-through test sites from 3.30pm each day, or by ordering online or by phone, for people to test themselves twice-weekly.” I would encourage constituents in East Lothian to take up this offer which is… Read more »
I was pleased to co-sign this statement calling on Prime Minister, government ministers and senior civil servants to publish all their private communications with pharmaceutical companies and their lobbyists since the start of the pandemic. The full text of the statement reads: “The alleged ease of access that wealthy business people have had directly to the Prime Minister in order to… Read more »
Today at 12 I held a moment’s silence, along with many across the country. The Pandemic has brought us low as a nation, and yet the resilience and determination to do what is right for those we live amongst has never been stronger. The work of recovery will be hard, and the onus is on us as politicians to work… Read more »
Yesterday the Scottish Government set out indicative dates for further easing of the lockdown across Scotland. You can read the full announcement at the Scottish Government website here: https://www.gov.scot/news/timetable-for-further-lockdown-easing/ “Stay at Home regulations will be lifted on 2 April and replaced with guidance to Stay Local, with more services including hairdressers, garden centres and non-essential click and collect services able… Read more »
From East Lothian Council Two mobile Covid-19 asymptomatic testing units are set to be deployed in East Lothian in a bid to help identify positive cases and break chains of transmission. Members of the public who have no symptoms associated with Covid-19, but who may be infectious and spreading the disease without knowing it, can book a test online or telephone 0300 303… Read more »
In my column in the East Lothian Courier I discuss what I see in the short term as vaccinations continue to be rolled out. “One and a half million doses is something to be proud of for those delivering it and for the rest of us to be reassured by. Minds are now rightly turning to post lockdown but continued… Read more »
A new fund has been released by East Lothian Council to all householders who are struggling to heat their homes at this time. On their website East Lothian Council say: “A one-off payment of £100 will be paid to people who need help with their gas or electricity. These payments will help alleviate poverty and financial hardship, providing a warm environment… Read more »
In my column in the East Lothian Courier I discuss conversations with the Health Secretary and the health board about the vaccine rollout. “The issue of many being asked to travel to Edinburgh is being addressed with the mass vaccination centre at Queen Margaret University opening up, East Lothian Community Hospital also, and improvements in supply to GP practices which… Read more »