Ruth Maguire MSP has welcomed the announcement that teachers, nursery and school staff can now be tested for Covid-19 on demand if they feel that they have been placed at risk of infection, even if they show no symptoms. The step has been taken to provide extra assurance for staff as children return to schools... Continue Reading →
NHS Dental Services to Expand Under Phase 3
Ruth Maguire MSP has welcomed confirmation that NHS dental services will be re-introduced, under Phase 3 of the Scottish Government’s route map out of lockdown. As of 17 August, dental practices who are suitably prepared will be permitted to provide aerosol generating procedures (AGP) on patients with urgent dental problems from. This includes the use... Continue Reading →
UK Government Must Reconsider Funding Position to Prevent Homelessness
Ruth Maguire MSP has today echoed the Housing Minister’s call for Westminster to reconsider its position on people with no recourse to public funds (NRPF). This follows a letter which was received by Immigration Minister Chris Philp which stated that despite the current global pandemic, the Home Office had no plans to suspend its approach... Continue Reading →
Hospitality Rules Tightened as More Indoor Public Places Mandate Face Coverings
Ruth Maguire MSP has urged local hospitality premises to adhere to the Scottish Government’s new rules before they come into law. From Friday (14 August) it will be mandatory for premises to record customer details in line with NHS Test and Protect guidelines. Ahead of the change in rules, the Scottish Government have noted that... Continue Reading →
2100 North Ayrshire Businesses Get £23 Million Cash Support Through Crisis
New figures show that 2,127 businesses in North Ayrshire have received support from the Scottish Government to support them through the coronavirus crisis. A total of £23 million has been awarded to businesses in North Ayrshire through a Scottish Government scheme designed to support small businesses and the retail, hospitality and leisure sector. Across Scotland,... Continue Reading →
Hairdressers and Barbers to Re-Open
Ruth Maguire MSP has welcomed guidance from the Scottish Government which will allow barbers and hairdressers to reopen today (15 July). As part of Phase 3 of the Scotland’s exit from lockdown, guidance has been published to ensure that salons are able to safely reopen to customers. The guidance also covers services such as beauty... Continue Reading →
National Debt Plan Must Be Introduced by UK Government
Ruth Maguire MSP has echoed a the Scottish Government’s call for Westminster to introduce vital new measures to support Scotland’s response to the current economic crisis brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic. Following a formal request to the UK Treasury requesting temporary additional financial powers for Holyrood to tackle the crisis in Scotland, Finance Secretary... Continue Reading →
Scottish Government Announce Gradual Move to Phase 3 of Lockdown Exit
Ruth Maguire MSP has welcomed the announcement from the First Minister that the Scottish Government will begin to ease into Phase 3 of its exit from lockdown. The announcement came with additional dates for further relaxations to lockdown restrictions. Starting from Friday 10 July, four households can now meet outdoors in groups of up to... Continue Reading →
Views Sought from North Ayrshire Residents on Video Health Consultations
Ruth Maguire MSP has encouraged North Ayrshire residents to give their opinions on video consultations for health and social care. NHS Ayrshire and Arran are seeking feedback on Near Me, a video consultation system used to remotely offer clinical advice. This method of consultation in Scotland has rapidly escalated since the Covid-19 pandemic began. Prior... Continue Reading →
Changes to Shielding Advice for Children and Young People
Ruth Maguire MSP has welcomed new evidence which indicates that a large percentage of children and young people may no longer need to shield. A review by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health regarding Covid-19 states that the majority of children with conditions including asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, and kidney disease do not need... Continue Reading →