Pandemic Information and Response

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  *This page is no longer being updated. Visit our news page for further updates.
  For full details of the official NHS Test and Protect scheme- Scotland's approach to preventing the spread of COVID-19- click here.

  
  We will continue to develop this page and update it with new resources. Please do let us know of any resources we should add to the page, or share any feedback with us.
  
  Those with communication barriers may find it helpful to seek support from our colleagues at Fife Centre for Equalities.
  
  

  About the current pandemic

  
  Health experts have been saying for many years that a pandemic was statistically overdue. It seems it may be upon us. The World Health Organisation has declared the COVID-19 strain of coronvirus a global pandemic.
  
  This brings with it many challenges, including travel, organising events, turning up to work, working from home potential/possibilities, our staff and volunteers taking ill and/or self-isolating, our service users/clients taking ill and/or self-isolating and the impact that panic buying/stocks of medicines, foods and so on can have on all of us, not just the most vulnerable citizens in our communities. For our sector particularly, our public sector partners are already turning to us to see how we can help them to look after fellow citizens as the impact affects the public sector workforce and the number of clients needing help increases.
  
  Further, there's a growing recognition of the impact all of this negative and worrying news about something that has the potential to affect the global economy, our health and how we will live our day-to-day lives over the next number weeks and months. People are starting to panic and worry, with negative mental health impacts being reported as people are overwhelmed with bad news and information that can be difficult to comprehend, particularly as different countries react differently and some statistics being reported appear to be rather significant and gloomy.
  
  Businesses (mostly retail and travel so far) are seeking financial bailouts/support already. Fewer people shopping (apart from toilet rolls, of course!), dining out, visiting the cinema, taking leisure breaks and so on is going to cost the economy a lot of money, with the result of businesses folding and jobs being lost. This also increases demand on public and third sector services.
  

  Returning to offices

  With Scotland entering Phase 2 of the routemap* for moving out of lockdown on 19 June 2020, attention for many has turned to ensuring a safe return to offices. A litany of resources has been produced to aid this by- among others- the Scottish and UK Governments, the NHS and the Health and Safety Executive. We will provide links to any useful materials as we find them here.
  
  If you find something that you think should be included here, please let us know.
  
  *The routemap through and out of the crisis gives an indication of the order in which the Scottish Government will- carefully and gradually- seek to relax and change restrictions. The Framework for decision making, which underpins this, is available here. An easy read version is available here. A version in British Sign Language is available here.
  A local routemap for Fife- which complements the Scottish routemap- has been produced by Fife Council.
  
  

  Remember the FACTS

  This video has been produced to serve as a quick reminder of the key points that must still be observed by everyone- whether returning to the office or not.
  
  

  Workplace health and safety

  Reopening your business

  • Those who have to travel to work should consult this guidance - Transport Scotland
  • This guidance a on business and physical distancing/closures has been prodcued by the Scottish Government
  • You can find an overview of all the COVID-19 advice for employers produced by the Scottish Government here.
  • All UK Government guidance for businesses (including guidance on the Job Retention scheme) can be found here- note that some elements of the UK Government guidance will not apply in Scotland.

  Health and safety in the workplace

  • The Health and Safety Executive has produced substantial guidance about workplace health and safety issues in the current circumstances. Note that some guidance may refer to England only. Where this is not stated, but where the guidance of the Scottish Government is contradictory, you should follow the Scottish Government guidance
    Part of this guidance is its Step-by-step guide to working safely and restarting work, which you can browse topic-by-topic through these individual links:
    1. Overview
    2. Risk assessment
    3. Talk to workers and provide information
    4. Work from home
    5. Make your workplace 'COVID secure'
    6. Protect vulnerable workers
    7. Cleaning, hygiene and hand sanitiser
    8. Where to get further help
  • The UK Government has produced guidance on the mental health and wellbeing aspects of COVID-19.
  • The Scottish Government has produced comprehensive guidance aimed at both employers and workers on safely returning to work.
    In addition to this more general guidance, it has also produced specific documents on:
    
    • Staying safe, protecting others and physical distancing
    • What you can and cannot currently do
    • Using face coverings in public
    • What retail, tourism and hospitality customers can expect
    • Opening public and customer toilets
  • Fife Council has guidance for business and employers, updated regularly, here.
  • The Scottish Government has issued guidance on occupational risk assessment to help staff and managers to consider the risks of COVID-19 in the wrokplace (and which is especially relevant to those returning to work after shielding.
  Hand washing
  • How to properly wash hands - a guide by the World Health Organisation.
    
  • A video demonstration of the World Health Organisation's guidance, using gloves and ink to demonstrate how to get full coverage.
  • A complete guide to hand washing in cliical envronments - the University of Leicester.
  • An example of a poster that can be used with Dementia patients to remind them to wash their hands- you can find similar resources at Alzheimer Scotland's Coronavirus information hub.

  Prescription deliveries in Fife for priority and vulnerable patients

  FVA has partnered with NHS Fife, the Health and Social Care Partnership and Fife Council to launch a prescription delivery service for those in Fife that are most in need.
  
  We're working with over 80 pharmacies across the region, with volunteer drivers uplifting and delivering prescriptions to those who are the most at risk in the event of a COVID-19 infection. Individuals must be unable to collect their prescriptions themselves and have no on who can collect them on their behalf Please respect this, so that this important service can be kept moving efficiently for those most in need.
  
  Request a Prescription Delivery
  
  

  Shielding

  Shielding is where a person isolates themselves for a period of at least 12 weeks because they are clinically at a higher risk of severe illness if they contract COVID-19. Stringest self-isolation is necessary to minimise all interaction between the vulnerable person and others, and therefore to protect them from the risk of coming into contact with the COVID-19 virus. This isolation also reduces the potential strain on NHS and social care services.
  
  Full information on funding can be found on the NHS website here The guidance that we have received from Fife Council and NHS Fife on shielding is as follows: The "shielding" group includes people with diseases and conditions considered to be at very high risk:
  • solid organ transplant recipients
  • people with specific cancers:
    • people with cancer who are undergoing active chemotherapy or radical radiotherapy for lung cancer;
    • people with cancers of the blood or bone marrow such as leukaemia, lymphoma or myeloma who are at any stage of treatment;
    • people having immunotherapy or other continuing antibody treatments for cancer;
    • people having other targeted cancer treatments which can affect the immune system, such as protein kinase inhibitors or PARP inhibitors; and
    • people who have had bone marrow or stem cell transplants in the last 6 months, or who are still taking immunosuppression drugs.
  • people with severe respiratory conditions including all cystic fibrosis, severe asthma and severe COPD;
  • people with rare diseases and inborn errors of metabolism that significantly increase the risk of infections (such as SCID, homozygous sickle cell);
  • people on immunosuppression therapies sufficient to significantly increase risk of infection; and
  • people who are pregnant with significant heart disease, congenital or acquired
  Those who are in the shielding group will be contacted by letter by the Chief Medical Officer.
  
  Individuals will be offered a phone number through which to register for support using a two way SMS (text) messaging system, with local back-up arrangements for those who cannot communicate by SMS.
  
  

  Medication for those that are shielding

  Medicines can continue to be ordered through the usual routes, but deliveries may take longer than usual to due very high call demands at the present. If you normally collect your own medication and are unable to do so because you are shielding, please contact Fife Voluntary Action's Prescription Delivery Service.
  
  Please do not attempt to over-order your repeat prescriptions.
  
  For other support (food, financial support, etc), please contact our Helping Hand team.
  To speak to someone at Fife Council about shiedling, call 0800 952 0330.
  

  Volunteering and Mutual Aid Groups

  We're seeing groups emerging across Fife on social media looking to provide support in local communities. This is great and here at FVA we're happy to assist those groups as much as we can. It is worth noting that not all of them will have insurance, policies, risk assessment regimes and proper governance arrangements, so people should be aware of the potential risks.
  
  We would always advise volunteering through established third sector organisations where possible. We know that the vast majority of people getting involved will do good things, safely and appropriately and we don't want to stop any of that, but we also don't want people who are trying to help inadvertently put people at risk, including themselves. We would therefore urge people to consider risks, follow official guidance and put the safety and wellbeing of our more vulnerable citizens at the heart of what they do.
  
  Most of the informal groups will be operating appropriately and will not present any specific risk and here at FVA we're keen to provide whatever assistance we can to help them to operate and manage risk.
  
  

  Organisations looking for volunteers

  As people self-isolate and take precautions to limit the spread of the virus and reduce risk to others, some organisations that are keen to continue to support their clients differently during this time don't have enough people or resources to help. Please use the Helping Hand register above if you'd like to help and we'll be in touch.
  
  

  Information for Vulnerable People

  Vulnerable people, or their families/carers, are likely to be concerned and/or anxious at this time. Keeping people safe and healthy is a fundamental aspect of society and we need to work together to ensure this.
  
  If you are offered help by someone over the next few weeks, then they should have ID if they're working/volunteering for an organisation. If they're not, please stay vigilant and be aware of scammers and people looking to exploit this crisis. Limit access to your home and to any personal information about you. Whilst it's unlikely that people will try to take advantage, we encourage people to be cautious and alert. Here's some brief tips:
  
    • Limit any physical or close contact (we know isolation can be lonely and talking to somebody can seem harmless, but protecting your health is the priority);
    • Seek support over the telephone or e-mail wherever possible - contact a voluntary sector organisation that you already know or phone us on 0800 389 6046 or e-mail [email protected];
    • Do not wait until things get desperate - make early contact and don't be afraid or ashamed to ask for help - organisations and people are keen to help and standing by, ready to do so;
    • Only let somebody into your home if you know who they are and it is absolutely necessary for them to come into your home;
    • Don't share your personal details, including health conditions with anybody unless you know and trust them;
    • Don't share your bank details with anybody - even if they claim to be from your bank!;
    • Don't give money to people for testing kits, protective equipment or anything like that - these are likely to be scams;
    • Don't be tempted to visit other vulnerable people to help them out, you could be putting yourself and them at risk - please contact us, or use the register above to let us know about people who need support.
  
  

  PVG considerations

  For unplanned, impromptu and informal activities, it is not necessary to carry out PVG checks on individuals. It is always necessary to manage risk though!
  
  Regulated work, as defined by the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007, relates to individuals whose 'normal duties' would include:
    • doing anything permitted or required in connection with the position, the opportunity to have unsupervised contact with protected adults, and
    • where contact with protected adults, when the holder of the position is doing anything permitted or required in connection with the position, is more than incidental.
  
  In situations like this, where there are undeniably unforeseen circumstances, there is no requirement to process PVG/Disclosure checks. This doesn't negate the need for basic principles in safeguarding to be applied. Follow the guidelines listed on this page to keep yourself and others safe.
  
  If you have any questions, as always, don't hesitate to contact us.
  
  In addition, our colleagues at Volunteer Scotland have put together a site dedicated to COVID-19-related volunteering advice (for both organisations and individuals). You can access this here.
  
  In particular, you may wish to consider reading their guidance on PVG and Coronavirus. It is made clear that roles in sectors that are considered priorities during the pandemic will take precedence for PVG checks.
  
  • The Scottish Social Services Council has a useful app to support those who work in adult care to support (non-COVID-19) signs of harm or abuse, with details of how to identify and report such issues.
  

  Insurance

  This is a big topic and we're struggling to find a definitive answer to cover organisations undertaking slightly different tasks. We've spoken to a few specialists in this area and they've said the same thing: Insurers know that these are unprecedented times and organisations changing what they do and how they do it, and doing some additional/different things is almost certainly not going to invalidate insurance cover! What Insurers won't tolerate is a move to additional activities that unduly create wider exposures that could be considered insured under the current business description. Why would using your vehicles to deliver essentials to those in need be any more risk than the actual carriage of people, for example?
  
  Managing risks, documenting things, following good practice and guidance should all be happening anyway, regardless of the circumstances. It is always advisable to contact your Insurer or broker if you are unsure.
  
  
  •FVA's Capacity Building team has pulled together some very brief guidance on keeping your premises safe and secure while your staff away from them during COVID-19.
  

  Data Protection

  The Information Commissioner's Office (the regulator for data protection and GDPR in the UK) has formally announced that they will take a pragmatic approach to enforcement during the pandemic. They recognise that organisations are acting in the public interest and looking to protect people, so will be taking this into account. They have information on their website and you can call their helpline on 0303 123 1113.
  
  We'd advise caution, still, and only share personal data when necessary to provide a service or keep somebody healthy and/or safe. It should be risk assessed, and sensible precautions taken over how you protect information and data about people (not just vulnerable people, but our own staff and volunteers too).
  
  

  Children

  •We've come across this nice resource (PDF file) to help children to understand what's happening, produced by Manuela Molina.
  •A new website promoting online safety at home has been launched - ThinkUKnow- providing activity packs to support children, who'll be spending a lot more time online at this time.
  •The Scottish Government has developed a hub on its ParentClub website with resources to parents and carers of children through Coronavirus. It covers, among other things:
  • How to talk to children about COVID-19
  • Learning at home resources
  • Guidance on how to balance working from home with caring for children
  • Advice on breastfeeing if COVID-19-postiive
  
  •Families requiring support through Coronavirus can contact Children 1st's Parentline Scotland helpline free on 08000282233, or through their website
  •Education Scotland has produced signposting guidance for teachers, parents, and children and young people from groups who may be more vulnerable during this time of school closures and social isolation.
  •Children in Scotland is running a webinar on Supporting disabled or seriously ill children during and beyond the pandemic on Thursday 14 May at 1400.
  
  The session, which is free to access, will look share the findings of initial research conducted by the Family Fund into how the outbreak has affected families raising disabled or seriously ill children in the UK, while also looking at how Family Fund uses feedback from families to inform its work.
  •The Children's Parliament has published a report on its April survey on the impact of COVID-19 on children, and has launched a new survey for May.

  HR and Employment Law

  •ACAS independent guidance for employers and employees
  •Suggested communication to staff about COVID-19
  •Survey for staff, from CIPD, on preparing to work from home (Word document)
  •Tips on working from home, published in The Guardian
  •UK Government's definition of 'key workers'
  •Guidance for organisations on the legal implications of the government's Job Retention scheme and Furlough Leave •Guidance for employees on the Job Retention scheme and Furlough Leave
  •ACAS has been running webinars on the impact of Coronavirus on employers. The key points can be found here
  •The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme has now gone live. Employers can now apply online to claim 80% of the wages, National Insurance and pension contributions of any employee put on furlough because of COVID-19 •SCVO has more information about the Job Retention Scheme (furlough) with sector-specific questions covered (including volunteering while furloughed)
  

  Policies

  •Policy suggestion for temporary changes to policies and procedures
  

  Managing Risk

  •UK Government's guidance document on handwashing techniques
  •World Health Organisation's advice on basic protective measures for the general public
  •UK Government's information and advice for the public
  •NHS Inform's information on COVID-19
  •Zurich insurance's guidance for organisations on planning for a pandemic (written before COVID-19 was declared a pandemic!)
  •Freedom of Information (FoI) and the Coronavirus, from the Information Commissioner's Office
  •Data Protection (and GDPR) and the Coronavirus, from the Information Commissioner's Office
  •Computer hackers/scammers exploiting the pandemic, from the BBC
  

  Funding for organisations and individuals

  Many organisations will be facing funding challenges over this period as they pivot their operations towards relief efforts. We'll keep this section with details of any funding news specifically related to the crisis.
  
  Our Capacity Building team can help organisations in applying for funding. Please contact Helen Rorrison for more information.
  
  •SCVO's website devoted to COVID-19 funding for organisations
  •A Third Sector Resilience Fund has been launched to support third sector organisations that are at risk of closing due to the pandemic
  •Grant support is now available from the Scottish Government (through Fife Council) to support businesses in dealing wi ththe impact of the pandemic
  •Crowdfunder has announced that any crowdfunding done on its platform to support COVID-19 relief efforts will be free of platform fees and payment transaction fees
  •Creative Scotland has launched three funding programmes designed to support the creative communities during the current crisis
  •The National Emergencies Trust has launched a Coronavirus appeal to raise funds for local charities and grassroots organisations that can provide support to people in the quickest way possible
  •Our Head of Community Development, Helen Rorrison, has summarised information on a Scottish Government small business grant availalbe to certain business ratepayers
  •The government has announced a package of support available to businesses and employees during the COVID-19 outbreak.
  •The Scottish Government has announced a wellbeing fund, that will support third sector organisations providing important services for people as a result of COVID-19. Expressions of interest are open until midnight on Sunday 19 April 2020
  •The National Lottery has launched a Heritage Emergency Fund aimed at supporting non-profits in previous receipt of National Lottery funding that manage heritage and wish to safeguard their heritage sites/organisations.
  •*Updated* - FVA's Capacity Building team has collated some information about funding available to third sector organisations seeking to mitigate the impact of the pandemic
  •Fife Council's Funding and Monitoring team has produced a guide to hardship grants for individuals who are particularly struggling at this time.
  Remember, if you are struggling with the effects of the pandemic and lockdown, you can register for support with our Helping Hand programme.
  •FVA has provided updated guidance on the Wellbeing and Third Sector Resilience funds.
  

  Claiming benefits

  UK government asks for benefits claimants to apply online rather than by phone
  
  • New Universal Credit claims will all be done online and ID verification will not be required for payments to begin. ID checks will be done restrospectively once the crisis subsides.
  • Disability benefit reassessments and benefit reviews have been suspended for at least the next three months.
  • All job centres are closed except to the most vulnerable who cannot access services in any other way. People are encourages to go online or use the phone.
  • The Scottish Government has announced that applications for social security benefits that are late directly as a result of COVID-19 shall be allowed (among other measures).
  

  Key News/Updates

  Daily updates - World Health Organisation's daily situation reports
  Daily updates - NHS guidance on self-isolation if you or someone you live with has Coronavirus symptoms
  
  06/04/2020 - The UK government has issues new guidance on the use of PPE by health an social care staff.
  03/04/2020 - Voluntary Health Scotland has produced a briefing on the impact of COVID-19 on voluntary health organisations, following a survey of its network members 03/04/2020 - Thomson Cooper Accountants has developed a guidance document for charities on the financial reporting issues around Coronavirus.
  30/03/2020 - OSCR has created a full section on its website with guidance for charities during the pandemic, including details of relaxed rules around digital meetings. Note that OSCR's office is currently closed, and e-mail contact is advised.
  25/03/2020 - Companies can apply for an extra 3 months to file annual accounts with Companies House 15/03/2020 - Scottish Government advises gatherings of over 500 people should not take place
  18/04/2020 - Police Scotland has commissioned a survey to track public confidence levels and experiences of its approaches during the COVID-19 lockdown. It's looking for responses from across the country to better inform its operations and publicity.
  21/04/2020 - Home Energy Scotland is continuing to operate, giving clear advice on energy saving and how to reduce fuel bills- all the more important now with energy consumption rising as people stay at home.
  23/04/2020 - The Scottish Government has published its framework for making decisions in relation to the COVID-19 crisis. It sets out approach and principles that it will use in making judgements, promoting a science and data-led process.
  01/05/2020 - The Scottish Government has decided to pause its Scotland Carers volunteer recruitment campaign, after receiving over 76,000 sign-ups since the crisis started.
  

  We've had over 2,000 offers of help in Fife alone and, like the rest of Scotland, the number of people offering help has exceeded what is directly needed right now. We're happy for people to continue to register with us, and we will work (as always) with anyone who shows an interest in volunteering to place them appropriately. Please, however, be patient and realistic about what is currently available to be done, and don't be disheartened if we're not in touch to take you up on an offer of help straight away.

  
  12/05/2020 - Connecting Scotland - a new scheme that aims to get the most clincially high risk-people on low incomes online- so that they can access essential services and support, and connect with others- has been launched by the Scottish Government.
  12/05/2020 - A National Wellbeing Hub for the health and social care workforce has been launched. The hub is intented to act as a conduit to the wide range of support and wellbeing resources for those in those sectors available in Scotland.
  21/05/2020 - The Scottish Government has published its route map for decision-making relaitng to COVID-19. It sets out the anticipated different phases of the crisis and society's emergence from it towards a new normal, with phase 1 set to begin on Thursday 28 May. Movement into further phases will be considered every three weeks, with relaxation of different restrictions coming with each phase.
  10/08/2020 - The Scottish Government has issued a clarification on what indoor activity can now take place, since schools and other early learning settings are returning this week.
  
  "Indoor activities for children and young people which are not overseen by a regulator should not start again until agreed guidance is in place. Unfortunately, back to school does not mean back to normality and for now, ensuring that the transition back to school is successful is our top priority."
  
  For now, activities for children and young people under the age of 18 should continue online or outdoors in line with existing guidance.

  Mental health resources

  Self-isolation and social distancing aren't easy, and they can have a seriously detrimental effect on your mental health. It's essential that we all look after our mental wellbeing, so we've put together a list of resources and tools for support:
  •Project You's advice on how to cope with everyday stress
  •SAMH's guide to Self-Help and Wellbeing
  •Samaritans Scotland - Talk to someone about struggling to cope
  •Access Therapies Fife - a range of local mental health resources
  •Mind UK - looking after your mental health when self-isolating at home
  

  Fife's foodbanks

  We're helping Fife's foodbanks to ensure that the people of Fife don't go hungry while self-isolating. Their resources are extremely stretched at the moment, and all donations are very gratefully received as they face unprecendented demand.
  
  For more information about your local area's foodbank, follow the following links:
  Cupar
  Dunfermline
  East Neuk
  Glenrothes
  Kirkcaldy
  Levenmouth *Now a delivery-only service*
  St Andrews
  Tay Bridgehead
  

  Adjusting to home working

  Many of us- FVA's staff included- are now being forced to work from home for the first time. It's an adjustment, and not necessarily an easy one.
  •SCVO's top ten remote working tips
  

  Avoiding COVID-19 scams

  We're all nervous and anxious about what this crisis and its repurcussions mean for us. Most of us are pulling together, but some unscrupulous types are using this fear and uncertainty to take advantage of the vulnerable. We're already seeing evidence of online scams using COVID-19 as a basis. Here are some resources that you can use to spot and avoid social engineering attacks like this:
  •BBC News - How hackers are preying on fears of COVID-19
  •Which - Coronavirus scams - how to spot them and stop them
  •The National Cyber Security Centre has relaunched its Cyber Aware website, with a wealth of information about staying secure online
  •The National Cyber Security Centre has issued guidance on the safe use of video conferencing services. There are two versions of the guidance available:
  
  • For individuals
  • For organisations

  Fife Developments/Updates

  •Fife Violence Against Women Partnership has created the following to support those living with domestic abuse, with all the additional difficulties that the current situation adds:
  
  
  
  •Fife Council has published guidance on the use of Fife's parks and open spaces during the pandemic.
  The guidance recognises the need to get fresh air and exercise, but emphasises goog social distancing practice.
  •Pink Saltire has launched a survey to identiy the impact of the crisis (and the cancellation of Pride and other events) on LGBT+ groups.
  •Daily conference calls are now taking place. Key updates will be posted here.
  •Fife Council and Scottish Government have confirmed that already-committed funding for third sector organisations is not at risk. This includes most third sector organisations in Fife receiving funding through Fife Council, most of which is on a 3 year service level agreement. What organisations do, and the numbers of people supported are expected to be impacted by the current pandemic, and there are no plans to penalise organisations so long as they have contingency plans in place, do what they reasonably can in the circumstances and liaise with their link officer. •NHS Fife has issued a plea for people to order only the medicines that they actually need, to reduce the strain on pharmacy staff. They have reinforced the messages that there are no issues with medicine supply, and there is no need to stockpile.
  •Fife Council has published Staying Safe and Keeping Well, with tips and contacts to help during the COVIV-19 lockdown period.
  
  
  
  

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