Stirling set for Level 3 Covid-19 restrictions
Covid-19 until they had completed the appropriate period of self-isolation in line with national guidance.”
The Stirling Observer investigation was part of a nationwide investigation by BBC local democracy reporters based at Reach publications. Freedom of Information requests were submitted to several Scottish - and UK - health boards for figures relating to patients discharged into care homes.
But on October 14 Nicola Sturgeon sent a letter to Conservative MSP Donald Cameron saying she did not know details until August.
In the First Minister’s letter to the Shadow Health Spokesman, she wrote: “I would confirm that prior to The Sunday Post publishing their FOI, neither Scottish Ministers nor Government officials had
Stirling is expected to be included in level three of the new five-tier system designed to tackle coronavirus cases.
The details of the system were set to be outlined in a statement to MSPS at Holyrood on Tuesday afternoon, with most of the central belt council areas - including those in the Forth Valley - set to stay under similar restrictions to those in place now within the new third level.
Under level three, indoor mixing is banned, while groups of six people from a maximum of two households are permitted to meet outside and in public information on the results of Covid-19 tests prior to discharge, or where these patients were discharged.”
Bridge of Allan resident and local Scottish Conservative MSP and shadow minister for local government, Alexander Stewart said: “The SNP have badly let down our care homes during this pandemic.
“At the height of the pandemic, it appears as though the first minister was oblivious as to what was happening within hospitals in NHS Forth Valley and right across Scotland.”
A Public Health Scotland report which will detail how many positive patients were discharged into care homes and the rationale behind why is due to be published today (October 28).
It was originally expected to be published at the end of September.
Mr Stewart said: “With a delayed report set to be published, the public are now demanding answers over what she and other senior ministers really knew about patients being sent to care homes.”
A spokesperson for the Scottish Government said: “Our priority throughout the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic has been to save lives and we have taken firm action to protect care home staff and residents.
“From mid-march guidance required clinical screening of patients being transferred from hospitals to care homes places including hospitality premises.
Alcohol sales will remain banned for hospitality in the Stirling area and restaurants are permitted to open under strict conditions including time limits on being able to serve food.
The recommendation of no travel out of the area except for essential reasons will also remain in place under the third level, but close-contact services including hairdressers, barbers and beauticians will be allowed to stay open under additional measures.
The announcement is expected to see Lanarkshire be the only area to move into the strictest level four measures, while other areas with lower case loads are expected to be placed into lower levels.
According to the guidelines published last week, level four will see the closure of non-essential shops, as well as hair and beauty businesses and also entertainment venues.
Under level four residents will also be told to avoid public transport unless in exceptional circumstances.
Under the strictest restriction level outdoor meetings are permitted, in groups of up to six people from two households and travel in and out of the level four area is not allowed.