Thread by @theSNP

First Minister @NicolaSturgeon: "Thanks for joining us again today. I'll start as usual with the daily Covid statistics. The total number of positive cases reported yesterday was 1,297, which is 17.2% of people newly tested and takes the total number of cases to 41,256."

NS: "419 of the new cases are in Greater Glasgow and Clyde, 337 in Lanarkshire, 191 in Lothian and 95 in Ayrshire and Arran. The remaining cases are across the 7 other mainland health board areas."

NS: "I can also report that 527 people are in hospital currently, which is an increase of 40 from yesterday, and 35 people are in intensive care. That is one fewer than the number reported yesterday."

NS: "I also regret to say that, in the past 24 hours, 7 additional deaths have been registered of patients who first tested positive over the previous 28 days. That means the total number of deaths under this measurement is now 2,557."

NS: "Every person who dies from this virus was an irreplaceable individual whose loss will be a source of heartbreak so, once again, my condolences go to everybody who is grieving somebody dear to them."

NS: "I'm joined this afternoon by the Chief Medical Officer and also by Shirley-Anne Somerville, the Social Security Secretary. Shirley-Anne and I will both talk shortly about the new self-isolation support payment that comes into effect this week."

NS: "Before that, though, I want to briefly mention the labour market statistics for Scotland that were published this morning, and I want to do this because I know the renewed anxiety many of us feel about the virus and its health impacts..."

NS: "..is absolutely matched by the anxiety many people feel about jobs and incomes."

NS: "The statistics published today show that the unemployment rate in Scotland was 4.5% in the June-August period of this year."

NS: "That figure is the same as in the March-May period but it is higher than it was last summer. 124,000 people in Scotland were unemployed over this summer in the June-August period. That's compared to 112,000 people over the same period last year."

NS: "These figures are, of course, concerning, but it is also important that, while this is no comfort to anybody who has lost their jobs..."

NS: "..these figures are undoubtedly lower than they would be without the support for businesses that has been in place from both the UK and Scottish Governments."

NS: "The UK Government's job retention scheme in particular has been really important, and of course we still have concerns that the replacement for that scheme, which will take effect at the start of November, is not comprehensive enough."

NS: "And that could lead to a significant rise in unemployment, including in jobs in sectors that, while they may be struggling through Covid, nevertheless have a good long-term future."

NS: "The Scottish Government will, of course, continue to make that case to the UK Government, but just as importantly, we will also continue to provide our own support whenever we have the powers and resources to do so."

NS: "In total we've provided more than £2.3bn of support for business, and last week we confirmed £40m of support for those in the hospitality sector and others who are being hit right now by the current temporary restrictions that were confirmed last week."

NS: "We're also in the process of establishing, with business, our new Young Person's Guarantee, to ensure employment, education or training opportunities for all young people."

NS: "Last week we launched a Transition Training Fund. That will make training available for up to 10,000 people over the age of 25 who have lost their jobs or who are at risk of redundancy as a result of Covid."

NS: "We will do all we can to protect jobs and businesses, and everybody has a right to expect that of us. But we also must remember that the most important thing we can do for the long-term good of the economy is keep the virus from running out of control."

NS: "This can't be seen as a contest between health and the economy. Keeping people safe from a potentially deadly virus is a prerequisite of a strong economy. And, of course, in turn, a strong economy is vital for our health and wellbeing."

NS: "These are not opposing objectives, even if it sometimes feels like they are. They are, instead, two sides of the same coin."

NS: "As I indicated a moment ago, I want to briefly mention the £500 self-isolation support grant. Shirley-Anne will talk more about this. This is our payment for workers on low incomes who are asked to self-isolate and who would otherwise lose money as a result."

NS: "Shirley-Anne, as I say, will give the details, but before she does that I want to stress again why this is so important."

NS: "All of us, without exception, could be required to self-isolate at any time right now. That's if we develop symptoms of Covid or if we find through a test that we have Covid, or if we're identified as a close contact of somebody who has the virus."

NS: "And when we are asked to self-isolate, it's important to stress that we are being asked to do so completely. And that means staying at home immediately and not going anywhere else for the recommended period."

NS: "We shouldn't go to the shops one last time, or go out to make any other preparations, because if we do that, the risk is we could pass the virus on to somebody else."

NS: "So self-isolation is really hard and it would be hard for anyone but obviously it can be particularly hard for anyone already on a low income who stands to lose some or all of that income because they need to self-isolate."

NS: "And that's what the self-isolation support grant is for. It's one of the ways in which we try to ensure people have the help they need while they help all of us by self-isolating and protecting us from the virus."

NS: "And it recognises - and this is a really important point - that nobody should be forced to choose between doing the right thing and being able to pay the rent, or feed themselves or their families."

NS: "The grant is targeted at people on low incomes, but other forms of support are available for people who might need it. In particular, if you need help with food or other vital supplies while you are self-isolating, you can get help through the Ready Scotland website."

NS: "Shirley-Anne will talk about other support we're providing to people to access further assistance if that is needed, but if you can't get online you can call the National Assistance Helpline. The number for that is 0800 111 4000."

NS: "In addition to the support that national and local government can provide, we can all help with this need to self-isolate. Employers have a role."

NS: "Employers must recognise how important self-isolation is and ensure nobody feels pressured into going to work when they shouldn't."

NS: "And, if it's feasible, and if your employee is well enough, you should support them to work from home. And all of us, if we're in a position to, can support our family, friends, and neighbours."

NS: "That's, perhaps, something all of us should be encouraged to think about right now. We should be thinking about how we would manage if we were asked to self-isolate."

NS: "If you don't think you have anyone you can call on, make sure you have that number of the National Assistance Helpline. I'll give it again. 0800 111 4000."

NS: "But we should also all think about whether we could help anybody else if they are asked to self-isolate. So if you haven't done this already, this is a good time to talk to your friends, family and neighbours."

NS: "Make sure you have a way of getting in touch with each other if you need to. One of the things we've seen throughout this pandemic is the extent to which people have reached out to help their loved ones, their neighbours and their wider communities."

NS: "Self-isolation over these next few months is going to be a really important way in which we can all show that sense of solidarity and help to break the chains of transmission."

NS: "So we should all, as individuals, be clear in our minds that if we are asked to self-isolate, we will do that. But we should all of us also think about the things we might be able to do to help anybody close to us if they are asked to self-isolate."

NS: "So I would encourage everybody to think about that and perhaps have that conversation over the days to come with your nearest and dearest."

NS: "Now, I want to end today with a hopefully straightforward, simple reminder of what we're all being asked to do right now."

NS: "There's a lot of media discussion today about scientific advice given to governments by SAGE, the scientific body that advises four governments across the UK."

NS: "All governments right now - and you heard me try to set this out last week - have to strike really difficult balances between vital public health restrictions to control the virus and the wider wellbeing of individuals and the economy."

NS: "And, as I said earlier on, it shouldn't be seen as a competition, it's two sides of the same coin but we have to strive to get those balances right."

NS: "So, while advisers advise, governments always have to decide. That means we'll sometimes reach a different balance, because governments have to take account of all of the different factors."

NS: "But as you will see from the advice that was published last night, the actions the Scottish Government is taking just now are firmly rooted in scientific advice."

NS: "We're trying to strike a careful balance but also to make sure we're doing what is needed to protect the NHS and save lives."

NS: "So that is why, firstly, we're asking everyone to work from home if possible. That advice has not changed so please continue to do that. And to employers, please facilitate that for your workforce."

NS: "Second, it's why we're asking everyone across Scotland to stay out of other people's houses right now, with limited exceptions for childcare and caring for vulnerable people."

NS: "Not having interaction between different households inside the home is a vital, perhaps the most vital way of stopping the virus from spreading from one household to another, which is so important in getting this virus under control."

NS: "So please, abide by that rule too. Thirdly, it's why we're asking hospitality businesses to close or restrict operations for the next two weeks, so we can reduce the places people are gathering together and giving the virus the opportunity to spread."

NS: "In Greater Glasgow & Clyde, Lanarkshire, Lothian, Ayrshire & Arran and Forth Valley, all pubs, bars, and restaurants should be closed. Only cafes can stay open during the day so people who might be suffering loneliness at this time still have somewhere to meet a friend."

NS: "In all other parts of Scotland, pubs, bars, and restaurants can only open indoors during the day, and only for food and non-alcoholic drinks."

NS: "I know this is tough. But the fact is, and it's a good moment, or at least a necessary moment to recognise this. The fact is, against this virus, we sometimes have to be tough. Half measures often don't work."

NS: "What you find is that they will still inflict economic pain and harm but they won't have the required public health impact. So these are the tough but necessary restrictions that we're asking everyone to abide by as we try to make sure the virus does not run out of control."

NS: "In return, the Government will continue to strengthen Test & Protect, we will do all we can to encourage and support people to comply with advice, including self-isolation advice, as I've just been talking about."

NS: "And we will work with businesses to ensure that they can trade safely with as much normality as is possible during a pandemic. And we'll be bringing all of this work together in a new strategic framework to guide us through the next phase of this pandemic."

NS: "And that will be debated in Parliament after the October break. Finally, let's remember, all of us, what underpins all of the advice and restrictions."

NS: "The five basic things, encapsulated in FACTS, that we can all do to stop the virus spreading. Wear a face covering when you're out and about, but especially in any enclosed spaces. Avoid places with crowds of people."

NS: "Pay attention to hygiene - clean your hands and hard surfaces. Keep two-metre distance from people in other households. And self-isolate and get tested if you have symptoms of Covid - a new, continuous cough, a fever, or a loss of or change in your sense of taste or smell."

NS: "These are the things we can all do, as individuals, to help the national collective effort against a virus that is nobody's fault but, unfortunately, everybody's challenge."

NS: "Back at the start of this pandemic, we all came together to protect the NHS and save lives. As a second wave takes hold across Europe and hospital admissions and deaths start to rise again, these objectives must come back to the forefront of our minds."

NS: "So let's all do what is asked of us. First and foremost, for the sake of ourselves and our loved ones, but also to protect the National Health Service and save lives. Thank you all very much."