COVID-19 Update- new powers for Local Authorities & Scotland remains in Phase 3
- 23 August 2020
Following reports of recent clusters indoor hospitality settings such as bars and restaurant, the First Minister has announced new legislation for local authorities to be given the power to act in respect of individual, specific premises that are breaching guidelines and risking transmission of the virus. In addition, the Scottish Government intends to give the […]
STEC in Scotland, 2019: enhanced surveillance and reference laboratory data
- 23 August 2020
On 18 August 2020, Health Protection Scotland (HPS), part of Public Health Scotland (PHS), published provisional information on Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O157/STEC infection for Scotland for 2019. The information is compared to previous years’ data to show trends over time. In key points from the report: During 2019, there were 150 cases of E. coli O157 and […]
Scotland should review workplace health and safety measures in light of pandemic, says report
- 23 August 2020
An occupational health expert is calling for a major review of workplace health and safety in Scotland following “failings” revealed by the COVID-19 pandemic. In a new report, Occupational health and safety in Scotland after the Covid-19 pandemic argues that current policies on health and safety – the power for which lies with the UK Government – […]
Views welcome to improve front of pack nutrition labelling
- 22 August 2020
Views are being sought from consumers, health professionals and the food and drink industry as part of a UK-wide consultation on front of pack nutrition labelling (FOPNL). The UK Government want your views on making sure the 'traffic light' front-of-pack nutrition labels (FOPNL) scheme continues to help people choose what food and drink to buy. The […]
UK Collaborative Centre for Housing Evidence
- 22 August 2020
The UK Collaborative Centre for Housing Evidence carried out Research into Private Rented Sector Legislation across the UK and has published a report and two briefing papers, one policy briefing and one practice briefing, summarising the key findings and making recommendations. Full report – Improving compliance with private rented sector legislation Policy briefing – Improving compliance and enforcement in the private […]
New Feature- COVID Diaries
- 21 August 2020
From next month, the Institute will be running a series of articles titled ‘COVID DIARIES’ based on work being carried out during the pandemic and will be asking various members of the Institute and those leading, and working in the field of public health for their contributions. The articles will feature in the eNewsletter each […]
Hospitality rules tightened
- 17 August 2020
Further rules for the hospitality sector, including the introduction of new statutory guidance are now in place, to increase compliance and keep the sector safely open. From 14 August, new regulations make it mandatory for hospitality settings to collect customer and visitor information to their premises in support of Test and Protect. The new regulation mains points […]
Together, we can. Public Health Scotland’s Strategic Plan 2020-23- consultation response submitted
- 17 August 2020
REHIS President Lisa McCann attended a virtual event for stakeholders, showing Public Health Scotland’s proposed first strategic plan for the period 2020 -23. The event included request for comment on the strategic plan. REHIS submitted response indicating general agreement with the high level key priorities of the new Body but questioning the absence of tackling […]
Food Standards Scotland has updated its COVID-19 Guidance for Food Business Operators and their Employees
- 13 August 2020
Food Standards Scotland have updated its guidance for food business operators (FBOs) and their employees on 11 August. It aims to assist all businesses in the food and drink sector in following government guidance on infection prevention and control measures against COVID-19. It has been produced with input from the food industry and Trade Unions and reflects […]
Scottish Government published guidance Coronavirus guidance for call centres and customer contact centre environments
- 11 August 2020
The Scottish Government have published guidance for call centre or customer contact centre environments on safe operation during the coronavirus pandemic. It came into effect on the 3 August 2020 and extends until further notice. The Scottish Government have worked with employers and trade unions from the contact centre sector to ensure that this guidance is evidence-based, fair […]
Environmental Health Officers visit locations identified as being linked to the Covid-19 outbreak in Lanarkshire
- 24 July 2020
On Wednesday 22 July First Minister Nicola Sturgeon confirmed in her Coronavirus (COVID-19) update speech that Environmental Health Officers had visited a number of secondary locations with links to COVID-19 outbreak in Lanarkshire, based around the Sitel call centre. EHOs visited Owen’s Bar in Coatbridge; The Railway Tavern and Merlin’s Bar in Motherwell; Costa Coffee in Carfin; […]
Unite human, animal and environmental health to prevent the next pandemic – UN Report
- 24 July 2020
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to take lives and disrupt economies across the world, a new report warns that further outbreaks will emerge unless governments take active measures to prevent other zoonotic diseases from crossing into the human population, and sets out ten recommendations to prevent future pandemics. The report, Preventing the Next Pandemic: Zoonotic diseases […]
