COVID-19/Coronavirus

Because of the Coronavirus/Covid-19 outbreak and in line with official advice, my office has been closed to the public since 17 March until further notice.

Please be assured that my team and I continue to assist constituents, are available to help as best we can, and can be contacted as normal by:

Phone on: 0131 600 0134

Email at: ben.macpherson.msp@parliament.scot

As we all continue to abide by Scottish Government’s guidance, during the Covid-19 pandemic, my office remains physically closed to the public until further notice. My weekly face-to-face surgeries are also still unfortunately unable to take place.

I appreciate your cooperation and hope to return to normal service as soon as possible.

Mainland Scotland and some islands are in lockdown level 4 restrictions with guidance to stay at home, except for essential purposes. These restrictions will remain in place until at least mid-February.

If you do have to go out for an essential purpose, please remember:

  • Face coverings in enclosed spaces
  • Avoid crowded places
  • Clean hands and surfaces regularly
  • Two metre distancing; and
  • Self-isolate and book a test if you have symptoms.

Below are some helpful links that have information relating to the Covid-19. As you are aware, the situation is constantly changing so please keep checking the information as it is updated on the websites.

Health:

Health Advice from NHS Inform

National Number for Vulnerable People or People in Need of Further Support: 0800 111 4000

Care Homes Urgent PPE Enquiries

Call: 0300 303 3020 between 8am-8pm, 7 days per week

Email: support@socialcare-nhs.info

PLEASE NOTE: when calling the helpline to request PPE kit, you will be required to provide your Care Inspectorate Registration Number.

NHS Workers PPE Enquiries:

covid-19-health-PPE@gov.scot

Edinburgh Council contact details for vulnerable people or people who need more support:

By Phone: 0131 200 2306

By Email: edinburghvulnerable@edinburgh.gov.uk

Scottish Government:

News

Covid-19/Coronavirus Information

Businesses:

Scot Gov Advice for Businesses

Business Gateway Advice

Scottish Enterprise Advice

Edinburgh Council Business Advice

Creative Sector:

Creative Scotland Funding

Council Tax:

CAS Advice on Council Tax Reduction Scheme

Domestic Abuse:

Scotland’s National Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline

Rape Crisis Covid-19 Textline and Helpline

Scottish Women’s Rights Centre

Education:

Guidance for Parents and Families-Parents Club

Advice for Young People

Edinburgh Council:

Coronavirus/Covid-19 Information

Housing:

Shelter Advice Page

Homeowners:

Money Advice Service on Mortgage Holidays

Nurses and Midwives:

RCN Guidance

Motorists:

UK Government MOT Advice

Older people:

Age Scotland Advice

Self-employed:

HMRC Helpline for Self-employed People and Businesses

Social Security:

Universal Credit Advice on Social Security for Those with Covid-19

Entitledto Advice

Travel:

International Advice FCO

Third Sector:

SCVO Advice

Volunteering:

Ready Scotland National Volunteer Scheme

General Volunteering

Returning Health and Social Care Workers

Volunteer Edinburgh

NHS Lothians

Workers:

Protecting Workers During Coronavirus Outbreak

General Guidance for Safer Workplaces

Guidance for Working From Home

 

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