Latest on coronavirus testing
SIC to receive cash from food fund
ONE MORE person in Shetland has tested positive for coronavirus according to the latest Scottish Government figures, bringing the total in Shetland to 41.
There were only two more deaths reported in Scotland since yesterday making the total of 220 from 3,206 people who have tested positive nationally. A total of 23,143 people in Scotland have been tested.
An unknown number of people who have tested positive in Shetland have since recovered, but these figures have not been made known to the media.
Shetland is meanwhile to receive just over £100,000 of the Scottish Government Food Fund to assist families unable to access food as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.
The isles share (£104,000) of the £30 million fund, which will be distributed to local authorities by COSLA, is intended to “support those most in need including families with children who are eligible for free school meals, older people, those with long-term health conditions and pregnant women.”
Councils will be able to use the money in ways that “best meet emerging local needs and circumstances, working with community groups and businesses to support home delivery, provide financial help and meet dietary requirements.”
Announcing the assistance, Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell said: “This pandemic is impacting on all our lives but for some it is more than a disruption, it is severely restricting their ability to access food for themselves and their families.
“It is vital that we work together to ensure the most vulnerable people in our communities receive the support they need.
“Local authorities are uniquely placed to respond swiftly in partnership with community groups and organisations to help those struggling”.
“We know that free school meals are vital for families across the country and an important way of ensuring their children receive the nutritious food they need. That is why it is so important that support continues while schools remain closed.
“This fund will help ensure the most vulnerable people in our society during this outbreak receive support. The guidance shared with local authorities today supports local thinking about how funding can best be targeted and deployed.”
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