REHIS News

Friends of the Earth Scotland has revealed that 2020 will be the first year that Scotland did not record any air pollutions levels over legal limits within certain streets. 

Although air pollution levels had been improving even before the pandemic, the sudden fall last year came when the first lockdown in March removed most vehicles from city centres where air quality levels are monitored.

Analysis of the data has shown steep drops in pollution, particularly on commuter roads into the biggest cities.

Liam Petrie, Environmental Health Officer at Glasgow City Council who has recently qualified describes the diversity of the role of the Environmental Health Officer during the pandemic.

"What can I say? the past twelve months have been a whirlwind, from passing my professional exams last October to now, but where do I start?

The minimum price of a single use carrier bag is set to increase from 5p to 10p.

The Scottish Parliament will be asked to approve the increase from the 1st April 2021. The carrier bag charge was first introduced in Scotland in October 2014.

Prior to the charge, 800 million single use carrier bags were issued annually in Scotland.

Food Standards Scotland have updated its guidance for food business operators (FBOs) and their employees on 19 January to reflect the change of takeaway advice, reflecting the no-indoor entry restrictions in line with Scottish Government guidelines. There is also an updated risk assessment tool and checklist. 

Environment Analyst's Brownfield Intelligence Network conference Brownfield Land Scotland is returning and will be taking place virtually on 2-3 February 2021. This event will once again bring you practical solutions specific to the management of brownfield and contaminated land in Scotland in a series of 15 presentations, Q&A discussions, virtual networking and interactive roundtable sessions.

The Scottish Government's Coronavirus (COVID-19): tourism and hospitality sector guidance has been updated with guidance for takeaways who can only operate on a no-indoor entry basis. 

The Scottish Government has published updated statutory guidance on the Control of Dogs (Scotland) Act 2010 ("2010 Act").

The 2010 Act came into force on 26 February 2011, and statutory guidance was issued ahead of implementation of the legislation.

Please see here for the International Federation of Environmental Health’s December Newsletter

Participants of the CPD Scheme, including EHO and non-EHO members, will be aware that CPD submissions for calendar year 2020 require to be with the Institute by 31 January 2021.  The submission and the supporting evidence can be either e mailed or posted to the Institute.  For those due to complete a written submission, guidance is available 

Evonne Bauer, Executive Officer of Place and Community Planning, East Dunbartonshire Council is a Chartered EHO and currently Junior Vice-President of the Institute. Evonne’s contribution discusses the different aspects of local authorities’ response to this pandemic and how EHOs have been recognised as key players in the pandemic response. 

1. Describe your work role with relevance to the pandemic?