Scotland must not follow Dominic Cummings on self isolation

Tue 10 Nov, 2020

Proposals from Boris Johnson’s adviser Dominic Cummings to reduce the time of self-isolation to 10 days could be at odds with current scientific advice, the Scottish Greens have warned.

People are currently asked to self-isolate for two weeks if they or a family member tests positive for COVID.

First Minister reveals lack of urgency on COVID testing

Tue 10 Nov, 2020

The First Minister has rejected calls to introduce weekly COVID tests for all NHS staff.

In a letter to Scottish Greens health spokesperson Alison Johnstone, Nicola Sturgeon appeared to rule out testing all hospital staff, instead preferring a slower, more gradual approach.

Scottish Greens welcome apparent vaccine breakthrough

Mon 9 Nov, 2020

Welcoming reports that substantial progress has been made in establishing a coronavirus vaccine, Scottish Greens health spokesperson Alison Johnstone MSP said:

“The news that rapid progress is being made toward a coronavirus vaccine is hugely encouraging and provides a much needed glimmer of light at the end of what has been a very dark tunnel.

Scale of care home scandal astonishing say Greens

Wed 28 Oct, 2020

The scale of the care home scandal at the outset of the Covid19 crisis which led to people who had tested positive, and others who had not been tested at all, being discharged into care homes is astonishing, Scottish Greens Health Spokesperson Alison Johnstone MSP has said.

Scottish Government cannot rely on UK testing system say Greens

Mon 19 Oct, 2020

Responding to reports of capacity issues and delays with the UK Government’s Lighthouse testing facility in Glasgow, Scottish Greens Health Spokesperson Alison Johnstone MSP said:

“It’s been clear for some time that the UK Government’s privatised testing system is not fit for purpose. Now, once again, this shambles has left us with no idea about how many new cases there are in Scotland.

Scottish Greens call for old firm game to air on free tv

Wed 14 Oct, 2020

Showing this weekend’s Celtic vs Rangers game on free to air tv could be an important preventative measure to help reduce the spread of the virus, encouraging fans to stay at home and watch the match, Scottish Greens Health and Sport Spokesperson Alison Johnstone MSP has said.

Government must avoid repeating mistakes of Spring say Greens

Tue 13 Oct, 2020

The Scottish Government must avoid repeating the mistakes of Spring which saw COVID-19 rip through Scotland’s care homes, Scottish Greens Health Spokesperson Alison Johnstone has warned.

The Lothian MSP issued the warning after it emerged that it took six days to test everyone at Redmill Care Home in Bathgate where there have now been seven deaths. This after it was revealed that it took seven days to test residents at Milford House in Edinburgh. 

Alison Johnstone MSP said:

Mass testing essential to bring virus under control say Greens

Mon 12 Oct, 2020

Scottish Greens Health Spokesperson Alison Johnstone MSP has renewed her call for the Scottish Government to rollout mass testing, after the SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford said in the commons this afternoon that “mass testing is vital.”

Alison Johnstone wrote to the First Minister in September outlining a five-point mass testing plan to ramp up testing across the country. The First Minister subsequently announced a review of her testing strategy which Ms Johnstone has said must be quick and deliver a major increase in testing.

Alison Johnstone MSP said:

MSPs call for urgent relief for Outdoor Learning

Fri 9 Oct, 2020

Cross-party MSPs have written to the Scottish Government calling for an urgent £3m to save Outdoor Learning Centres, after it emerged these vital resources face closure.

Scottish Outdoor Education Centres have entered crisis talks with administrators due to the impact of Coronavirus and have told MSPs they urgently require £3m to avoid multiple closures and job losses.

Although schools have reopened, official guidance prevents them making overnight educational trips, which has had a devastating impact on the sector.

Green proposals to upscale testing wins parliamentary support

Thu 8 Oct, 2020

MSPs have unamously backed Scottish Green proposals to scale up Scotland’s COVID testing capacity to better control the spread of the virus.

At the debate on the latest measures in Holyrood, MSPs backed Alison Johnstone’s amendment to continue to build further capacity within NHS Scotland with the aim of providing weekly tests for front line staff, including hospital workers, social care staff, school and university staff and students.