Prof Hugh Pennington to face MSPs on Coronavirus
One of Scotland's best known scientists will give Holyrood his take on how the Government's responded to Coronoavirus so far.
Professor Hugh Pennington has been critical government responses to the coronavirus outbreak and ccused politicians of hiding behind claims they're "following the science".
He will address MSPs on the Health and Sport Committee, which is due to meet virtually for the first time today.
Speaking to The Sunday Express, the University of Aberdeen emeritus professor of microbiology accused politicians of hiding behind claims to be "following the science'' to avoid blame for missteps during the pandemic.
The committee will spend the coming weeks analysing the Scottish Government's approach to Covid-19, including the distribution of personal protective equipment (PPE), testing strategies, the impact on care homes and the management of a possible second wave of the virus.
On Monday, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon urged Scots to continue adhering to lockdown measures, saying a failure to do so could see the number of hospital admissions and intensive care patients increase.
Committee convener Lewis Macdonald said the evidence of Prof Pennington will focus on the public health implications of the virus.
He said: "The coronavirus pandemic has had a profound impact upon all of society and this impact is particularly acute in the health and social care sector.
"It is therefore vital that during this period of great uncertainty, parliamentary scrutiny of the Government's response continues to take place.
"Over the coming weeks, the Health and Sport Committee will be embracing new technologies to hold online remote meetings where we will be looking at the Government's approach to this pandemic.''
He added: "We look forward to our first virtual meeting on Tuesday, where we will take evidence from one of the country's foremost experts on the spread of viruses.
"We are keen to hear from Professor Pennington on the impact and implications that this crisis will have on public health, and his insight will help shape our detailed scrutiny of the Government's response going forward.''
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.