David Stewart

Answer · Mairi Gougeon · 24 Mar 2021

The Scottish Government is currently considering the role that a vaccination certificate/passport may have. However, this work is still ongoing and a final decision has not been reached.
We previously answered a question on this matter (S5W-35234), providing a similar response. We do not have an update on that position to provide at this point in time.

Answer · Jeane Freeman · 12 Mar 2021

The circumstances and progress of the epidemic varies between countries and countries adapt their response to suit their particular requirements. We look at a wide range of data from countries across the world, as we develop the approach to dealing with the pandemic that best meets Scotland’s circumstances.
The Scottish Government’s Strategic Framework sets out our approach to tackling the virus. Originally published in October 2020, we have updated the Framework to take account of developments in both how the virus has been spreading through new variants as well as the success so far of the vaccination programme. You can read it here: Coronavirus (COVID-19): Strategic Framework update - February 2021 - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)
Our aim remains to Suppress the virus to the lowest possible level and keep it there, while we strive to return to a more normal life for as many people as possible. The Framework sets out in detail how we will gradually emerge from the current lockdown restrictions.
We will use all the tools now at our disposal to restore greater normality. This doesn’t mean just the vaccine programme but restrictions where appropriate, the test and protect programme, further support for individuals and businesses with adherence to the measures in place, and continued strong and clear advice and guidance on how we should all behave.
The protective measures announced on 5 January have been effective but we must be cautious in our approach to avoid another rapid rise in cases. A gradual approach to easing restrictions will allow us to monitor the situation and take further preventative action if required.

Answer · Mairi Gougeon · 10 Mar 2021

The Scottish Government is currently considering the role that a vaccination certificate/passport may have. However, this work is still ongoing and a final decision has not been reached.
A key factor in the Scottish Government’s decision will be the efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccines, their impact on transmission and the length of time for which each vaccine provides immunity. This information is, as yet, unavailable.
We continue to monitor all developments in relation to COVID-19, including on the subject of vaccine certification and continue to contribute to the World Health Organisation Safer Vaccination Programme on vaccine certification. This includes consideration of technical details, ethical and equality issues, and privacy standards. The outcome of those discussions will guide our work in this area.
A vaccination certificate could play a valuable role but there are various issues to work through, not least the significant equalities issues with allowing freedoms only to those vaccinated. Work, on a 4 nations basis, has started to scope and develop a technical solution to allow secure, authenticated access to Covid vaccination status. This is to ensure technology is not the limiting factor should the work underway indicate it would be appropriate to introduce certification at the right time.
A small number of staff in Scottish Government teams including; Covid Ready Society, Vaccinations, Community Surveillance, Scottish Government Legal Department, and several teams across Scottish Government that manage issues relating to the digital environment, have provided input in the work already undertaken.
The Scottish Government’s main focus remains on our national vaccine programme and ensuring that this is rolled out as quickly and effectively as possible.

Answer · Fergus Ewing · 19 Feb 2021

We are continuing to work on the sea lice interactions risk assessment framework and hope to be in a position to make an announcement once this work is finalised.

Answer · Roseanna Cunningham · 15 Feb 2021

The Scottish Government is considering the Salmon Interactions Working Group recommendations report and a response will be provided in due course.

Answer · Jeane Freeman · 3 Feb 2021

Through the refresh of the Heart Disease Improvement Plan we will continue to drive improvement to minimise preventable heart disease and to ensure that everyone with heart disease, including people with heart valve disease, has timely and equitable access to diagnosis, treatment and care that supports them in living well with their condition.
We have and will continue to engage with key stakeholders on the development of the refreshed plan.