REHIS News

The Health and Safety Executive’s guidance on disinfecting premises during the coronavirus pandemic has been updated to include joint advice on risks to health that can be created by using walk-through spraying or misting systems.

The Scottish Government have published Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance on working from home to support the continuation of working from home during the coronavirus pandemic.

National Supermarket chains including Tesco, Asda and Sainbury’s have announced strengthening their policies to ensure customer compliance with COVID-19 safety measures.

Tesco, Waitrose and Asda have all announced that they will not allow entry to customers who do not wear face coverings unless they are medically exempt.

While, Sainsbury’s have said they will challenge those who are not wearing a mask, following trials that showed customers complied more when asked to wear masks by security guards at the door, it said.

Additional Mobile Testing Units (MTUs) and a roll out of community testing in Fife and Grampian are being introduced to help reduce the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19). 

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.