Daily Coronavirus Round-Up: 25/3/20

Dundee city council is being urged to expand its free parking measures to all on street pay and displays.

As of today every multi storey unit and shore terrace surface car park is available without charge.

But Jay Hutchison who’s working from home in the west end wants the measure to go even further.

"I live on Union place, near the north car park where a meter has been put in. It's only £2 a day but that mounts up, "he said.

"Especially if people have been made redundant or if they've had their salary cut."

Council leader John Alexander says he’ll explore the idea with officers.

Elsewhere construction firms are shutting down sites as part of the lockdown - with one in Dundee urging others to do their bit to help the NHS.

Gowrie Contracts has donated 100 protective masks and suits to Tayside health workers.

Martin Henderson's from the firm - he wants companies across the country to do the same.

"When we made the decision to close we then had a look at what else we could do. We decided there was no point in the masks and suits sitting on our shelves," he said.

"So therefore we made the decision to donate them to NHS Tayside."

Many Scots are stranded abroad as countries tighten their borders amid the virus.

A junior doctor from Milnathort is desperately trying to return from down under to help in the fight against covid-19.

Katey Colebourn sold her car and booked flights from Auckland.

But when she got to the airport she found it was cancelled - with the borders closed...

"We had organised a remote property to make use of so we could self-isolate for two weeks before starting work," she said

"We had organised a car so that we wouldn't need to be exposed to anyone else.

We would literally land, go to this property to self-isolate and then be able to come back and help in the NHS."

National:

Updated guidance about which businesses should still be open in Scotland has been published.

It follows confusion in recent days with some employees claiming they’re being forced into workplaces that should be closed.

At the latest Scottish Government briefing earlier - The First Minister insisted the health of staff must be put first.

"Although the vast majority of businesses have behaved responsibly and heeded advice to put the health of their workers first, I do remain concerned that some workers have been put under unnecessary and unacceptable pressure regarding their terms and conditions," she said

"We have prepared further guidance which will be published today"

The number of coronavirus deaths in Scotland rises to 22.

That's six more than yesterday - while 51 people with the illness are being treated in intensive care.

Royal:

Prince Charles is self-isolating at home near Balmoral after testing positive for coronavirus.

The 71-year-old has only mild symptoms.

The Duchess of Cornwall has also been tested but does not have the virus.

Hear all the latest news from across Tayside, Perthshire and Angus on Tay FM. Listen on FM, via our Rayo app, DAB, or smart speaker.

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