Further update – for Monday 18th May – from Councillor Fraser Macpherson (West End) and Councillor Craig Duncan (Broughty Ferry) :
GOING OUT ADVICE CHANGE
As residents will now know, people in Scotland can now go outside more than once a day to exercise. This activity should continue to be undertaken close to home. Those going out to exercise should either go alone or with members of their household.
The change does not allow people to mix with people from different households, to gather in groups, or to go out to relax outdoors. The changed advice is based on evidence from the UK Government’s scientific advisers SAGE regarding outdoor transmission which found the risk seems to be significantly lower than indoors.
KEEPING YOU UPDATED
The First Minister is to make an announcement this week on the easing of the lockdown in Scotland. We will endeavour to keep you informed of any changes.
FURLOUGH EXTENSION
The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme will continue until the end of October. It entitles furloughed workers across UK to receive 80% of their current salary, up to £2,500. New flexibility will be introduced from August.
RECYCLING CENTRES
The Scottish Government has indicated that recycling centres may be able to open soon, and COSLA, the organisation representing Scottish local government is suggesting 1st June as a possibility, subject to appropriate safety arrangements to ensure social distancing. We will keep constituents updated about this as many local residents have contacted us about this.
BEREAVEMENT
The ability to offer webcasting of funeral services is now available. This enables live streaming of services as well as making recordings available for a short time.
NATIONAL WELLBEING CENTRE
New information, resources and support is available to help you at work and at home. The resources are based on the principles of psychological first aid. It provides advice and support for your practical, everyday needs and relationships, as well as tips on self-care, to help you cope with the challenges you’re facing during the pandemic.
WATER CHARGES
The Water Industry Commission for Scotland has announced a scheme that will provide at least £50 million of support to businesses and organisations. The scheme ensures that business customers impacted by the crisis receive bills that more accurately reflect their current use of water and waste water services. In addition, unmetered and smaller businesses are eligible for a 60% deferral of their wholesale fixed charges backdated to 24 March 2020. The scheme also allows those business customers who prepaid water and sewerage charges to their licensed providers to request a refund. Smaller customers receiving a refund are also eligible to apply for a deferral of their fixed wholesale charges.
TRAINS
The Scottish Government advise that rail travel should be for essential purposes only. Scotrail, the government, the trade unions and passenger groups are preparing for an easing of the lockdown at some point. They have issued this advice for passengers for when that happens.
MAGGIE’S CENTRE
Maggie’s Centre has given details of the Makers for Maggie’s online raffle.
Coronavirus is having a big impact on people with cancer and their families and friends. They need places like Maggie’s more than ever to deal with treatment delays and uncertainty.
Maggie’s Dundee is still providing their vital support online and over the phone. But they need funds to keep providing this service. With ‘normal’ fundraising not happening at the moment, our online raffle and our online market are two ways how we and you can help.
The ‘Makers for Maggie’s’ and other local businesses have donated fantastic and generous prizes to this raffle!
A raffle ticket costs £2 and you can buy as many as you like. The raffle closes on 24 May.
INFORMATION
Covid community helpline for food, shopping, prescriptions, finances, personal care: People in Dundee on the shielded list only – 0300 123 1403. People in Dundee who are vulnerable but not on the shielded list – 0800 111 4000
Helpline for those who do not have symptoms but are looking for general health advice Tel: 0800 028 2816.
Helpline for small businesses, Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5.30pm. Tel: 0300 303 0660.
SUPPORT AND ADVICE
This is an anxious and uncertain time but we want you to know that we are here to try to help constituents in whatever way that we can.
CONTACT DETAILS
WEST END WARD – Bailie Fraser Macpherson
Phone – Dundee 459378 (home)
E-mail – fraser.macpherson@dundeecity.gov.uk
