S6W-23913

Asked by: Simpson, Graham (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party - Central Scotland)

Question

To ask the Scottish Government what measures it has put in place to ensure that its transport data collection is accurate and robust, in light of the reported impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on data collection methods.

Answered by Hyslop, Fiona - Minister for Transport

Transport Scotland collects and uses a range of data on transport from a variety of sources. These incorporate collection methods that remained relatively unaffected by the COVID-19 pandemic, such as automated traffic counters, recorded ticket purchases, and other operational data.

Throughout the pandemic period, Transport Scotland published a range of data regarding travel, providing an ongoing insight into the impact of the pandemic ( https://www.transport.gov.scot/coronavirus-covid-19/analysis/ ).

The key survey source for transport data is the Scottish Household Survey (SHS). The SHS collects a range of data on people’s transport and travel habits in Scotland, including a record of all the journeys they made the day before the survey interview.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the survey was adapted in 2020 and 2021, including a change from face-to-face interviewing to telephone. However, since 2022, the SHS has returned to being a face-to-face interview, primarily administered in people’s homes. The survey is operated using an established methodology and collects data from a representative sample of around 10,000 Scottish Households.

Feb. 16 2024

Found: you requested.The First Minister set out the request to work from home in her speech on 17 March 2020 Coronavirus

S6W-24527

Asked by: Clark, Katy (Scottish Labour - West Scotland)

Question

To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of its present policy on mask mandates, in light of the recent reported spike in COVID-19 cases. 

Answered by Matheson, Michael - Cabinet Secretary for NHS Recovery, Health and Social Care

As part of our enhanced surveillance systems, we continue to monitor, assess and be ready to respond to COVID-19 and other health threats.

Wearing of a face covering in public spaces and on public transport stopped being a legal requirement in April 2022 and the extended use of face masks and face coverings guidance across health and social care settings was withdrawn on 16 May 2023.

Current COVID-19 specific guidance is still in place for the public and wider guidance for individuals and workplaces promoting a risk-based approach to building resilience to respiratory infections, including Covid-19.

Scotland continues to adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic and at this stage of the pandemic we are now living with COVID-19 as a respiratory infection and the Scottish Government has taken proportionate actions to do so.

Our guidance remains the same for the public; if you have symptoms of a respiratory infection including COVID-19, try to stay at home and avoid contact with others – if you do need to go out, wear a well-fitting face covering. You may also wish to consider wearing, and you may be asked to wear a face covering in other settings.

In regard to health and social care settings Scotland has now reverted back to pre-pandemic guidance and health and social care staff are advised to follow the infection prevention and control (IPC) guidance on the appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE) which can be found in the National Infection Prevention and Control Manual (NIPCM) and the Care Home Infection Prevention and Control Manual (CH IPCM).

Any change in response will be driven by the data and evidence gathered, as well as expert advice.

Mar. 14 2024

Found: Transport Scotland data for Corran Narrows ferry or fixed link options: FOI release

Nov. 08 2023

Found: Regulations 2020 (revoked) – Amendment No. 4 2020/182 – introduction of mandatory face coverings on public transport