Update on the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s planning and preparedness for COVID-19

On 30 January 2020, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared that the outbreak of a new coronavirus, C-19 constituted a public health emergency of international concern.  There are many coronaviruses that are transmitted from human-to-human which are not of public health concern, however C-19, which is a new strain of the virus, that has not been previously identified in humans, can cause respiratory illness of varying severity. Infection rates across the whole of the UK have meant government health plans have needed to be updated routinely and the impact upon communities has ranged from partial to full lockdown.  SG has constantly followed best practice and implemented a range of restrictions from Tier 0 to Tier 4.

The SFRS has been quick to update plans and supplement documentation with C-19 specific guidance for all staff.

The strategic aim of the SFRS during this pandemic is to maintain high standards of Service Delivery.

Specific objectives are to:

• continue to operate efficiently and effectively during this period of uncertainty and disruption.
• ensure that all areas of the Service are prepared and equipped to maintain Service Delivery safely, in the challenging conditions that may be presented.
• balance the need for ‘Public Health over Public Safety’.