Today in Holyrood, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon addressed the nation to explain the Scottish Government’s routemap that will guide the country out of lockdown. The routemap gives practical examples of what people, organisations and businesses can expect to see change over time. If the evidence shows transmission of COVID-19 is under control and the number... Continue Reading →
Emergency Powers Could Be Granted to Enforce Higher Standards in Care Homes
The Care Inspectorate could be empowered to bypass courts to deregister care homes who receive exceptionally poor reports during the Covid-19 outbreak. This comes as Ruth Maguire MSP asked the Scottish Government how new powers being granted to support the Care Inspectorate would ensure high standards of care quality in Scottish care homes. The MSP... Continue Reading →
Long Term Covid Decisions Should Centre on Human Rights
Ruth Maguire MSP has called for the Scottish Government to take a human-rights based approach to decision making on suppressing the coronavirus outbreak which includes the needs of disabled people. During an open debate in the Scottish Parliament on the next steps to be taken in responding to the health crisis, the SNP MSP cited... Continue Reading →
£1.3 Million Funding for North Ayrshire Social Care Covid Costs
SNP MSP Ruth Maguire has welcomed an initial £1.3 million funding to help the social care sector in North Ayrshire deal with the financial implications of coronavirus. The funding was confirmed by the Scottish Government as part of a £50 million package for the sector across the country. The funding will help address immediate challenges... Continue Reading →
Extension to Furlough Scheme Welcome But Clarification Needed
Ruth Maguire MSP has welcomed news that the UK Government job retention scheme which pays the wages of workers on on leave due to coronavirus will be extended until October. The announcement was made by Chancellor Rishi Sunak that wakers will continue to receive 80% of their wages up to £2,500 beyond June when the... Continue Reading →
“Stay At Home” Guidance Remains in Place
SNP MSP Ruth Maguire has stressed the importance of the Scottish Government’s decision to retain its “Stay At Home” guidelines in tackling the COVID-19 pandemic. The decision was outlined in a press briefing by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, clarifying the guidelines in Scotland on lockdown measures which remain largely unchanged. Speaking in Edinburgh, the First... Continue Reading →
Public in North Ayrshire to Have Their Say on Lockdown Restrictions
SNP MSP Ruth Maguire has urged the public in North Ayrshire to have their say as the Scottish Government publishes an update on what life might look like when coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions are altered. COVID-19: A Framework for Decision Making says the current lockdown is pushing the number of infectious cases down, but concludes that the virus continues to pose a... Continue Reading →
Ruth Maguire Appeals for Residents to Avoid Unnecessary Journeys as Traffic Increases
Ruth Maguire MSP today echoed the First Minister’s call for the public to exercise restraint and avoid making unnecessary journeys to protect the progress made so far in tackling the coronavirus outbreak. This comes after the First Minister’s daily briefing which indicated a 10 per cent rise in traffic in some towns and cities across... Continue Reading →
Newly Self Employed People to Receive Vital Government Support
Ruth Maguire MSP today welcomed the announcement from the Scottish Government that a £34 million hardship fund will be made open to applications from newly self-employed people. The announcement is part of a £100 million package of additional grant support for small and medium sized businesses (SMEs). Grants will begin to be paid out in... Continue Reading →
Ruth Maguire: Face Coverings Recommended But Not a Substitute for Social Distancing
Ruth Maguire MSP today echoed advice from the Scottish Government regarding the use of face coverings in enclosed spaces in the fight against COVID-19. The Scottish Government has published new guidance on the wearing of face coverings which suggests there may be some benefit in using them when leaving the house and entering enclosed spaces.... Continue Reading →
Ruth Maguire MSP (SNP) 