Coronavirus news update – 18 March

HOW are you affected by coronavirus? Are you in self-isolation or are you working long hours? Is your job threatened or are you stranded overseas and don’t know how to get back to Shetland/the UK?

Please tell us your story. You can get in touch via e-mail news@shetnews.co.uk or message us via our Facebook page .

Here is a summary of today’s (Wednesday) coronavirus news:

• First minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced that all schools and nurseries in Scotland are to close as of Friday and will stay closed for a considerable time.
  https://www.shetnews.co.uk/2020/03/18/first-minister-announces-further-drastic-measures-to-combat-coronavirus-pandemic/
• Shetland Islands Council has warned that the extent of services will inevitably be reduced as the council directs its resources to those in the community who need them most.
  https://www.shetnews.co.uk/2020/03/18/sic-to-curtail-services-to-cope-with-coronavirus-impact/
• Shetland Amenity Trust is warning of “significant losses” while healthy hotel bookings have vanished overnight.
  https://www.shetnews.co.uk/2020/03/18/lack-of-charitable-sector-aid-threatens-its-future/
• Lerwick councillor Stephen Leask has suggested the idea that fares on ferries and buses could be waived in an effort to limit contact between staff and customers during the coronavirus outbreak:
  https://www.shetnews.co.uk/2020/03/18/councillor-says-waiving-fares-could-protect-ferry-and-bus-staff-from-virus/
• The Scottish Government has reassured islanders that those in need of intensive care will be flown to hospital on the Scottish mainland by the air ambulance service.
  https://www.shetnews.co.uk/2020/03/18/plans-confirmed-for-transport-of-intensive-care-patients/
• The Relay for Life fundraiser for Cancer Research has been postponed until next year.
  https://www.shetnews.co.uk/2020/03/18/relay-for-life-postponed/
• Despite the government announcement of school and nursery closures, private childcare at Peerie Foxes is still available. Contact: Caroline at 07788 218334.

 Other useful links:

Shetland Islands Council has created a special page with regularly updated information on how the council’s services are affected by the coronavirus pandemic: https://www.shetland.gov.uk/coronavirus.asp

Help keep Shetland’s news open to everyone

Good local journalism takes time, care and people on the ground. Membership helps us keep reporting the stories that matter to Shetland — and keep them free for everyone to read. Members get a weekly newsletter created especially for them, local ads only, and can bookmark stories and join the conversation in the comments.

Already a member? Sign in.

£3 per month Billed on or shortly after the 4th of each month. Cancel anytime. £5 per month Billed on or shortly after the 4th of each month. Cancel anytime. £10 per month Billed on or shortly after the 4th of each month. Cancel anytime. Choose another amount Explore all membership options. Choose between monthly, quarterly, annual or one-off payments.

Continue Back to article

 

HM Customs & Revenue have established a helpline for the self-employed and for businesses affected by Covid-19. Please call 0300 4563565 or 0800 0159559 if you need help/advice.

Meanwhile Scottish Water has issued a ‘flush reminder” urging people to flush only the 3ps – pee, poo and (toilet) paper – to help keep the country’s sewers working.

Un-flushable alternatives to toilet paper which are not biodegradable are a major cause of sewer chokes resulting in flooding, the water utility said.