Evidence for transmissibility behind lockdown decision: FOI release

Information requested

1. The empirical (ie, NOT modelling) scientific or medical study or studies/articles, etc, on transmissibility of vaccinated vs unvaccinated that were carried out and /or referenced in order for the First Minister to arrive at this decision.
2. The foundational evidence of Nicola Sturgeon's authority to make such a decree (ie, to order people to stay in their own homes and isolate). Material evidence of how the root of this "power" was lawfully established or obtained Without both of the above (ie, justification and right), Nicola Sturgeon's words are simply just that, and have no jurisdiction, no effect, no meaning, and no point. Unless:
3. Scot Gov can provide explanation as to how and why such policies or decrees to detain people in their own homes require no justification.
4. Scot Gov can provide explanation as to how and why such policies or decrees to detain people in their own homes require no right.

Response

I have included a response to each of your questions below:

Question 1

Under Section 25(1) of FOISA, we do not have to give you information which is already reasonably accessible to you. If, however, you do not have internet access to obtain this information from the website(s) listed, then please contact me again and I will send you a paper copy.

Decisions made by the Scottish Government related to Coronavirus (COVID-19) and associated restrictions are never taken lightly, and have been driven by evidence and clinical advice.

Throughout the epidemic, having a clear route for synthesising scientific evidence and presenting that to Government is important. To do this, scientific advice is provided by the Scottish Government COVID-19 Advisory Group. In addition, the Scottish Government is informed by SAGE, and its sub groups of which further details can be found on the UK Government website.

The UK Health Security Agency has published data on the efficacy of vaccine boosters and their impact on mortality rates from the Omicron COVID-19 variant which you may find helpful and can be found here.

I have included links to additional research and analysis on COVID-19 transmission below that you may find helpful.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): How is it transmitted? (who.int)

EMG Transmission Group: Insights on transmission of COVID-19 with a focus on the hospitality, retail and leisure sector, 8 April 2021 - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Effect of vaccination on transmission of COVID-19: an observational study in healthcare workers and their households | medRxiv

Impact of BNT162b2 vaccination and isolation on SARS-CoV-2 transmission in Israeli households: an observational study | medRxiv

Question 2

Under Section 25(1) of FOISA, we do not have to give you information which is already reasonably accessible to you. If, however, you do not have internet access to obtain this information from the website(s) listed, then please contact me again and I will send you a paper copy.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Scottish Parliament passed two Bills in 2020. These were the Coronavirus (Scotland) Act 2020 and the Coronavirus (No.2) (Scotland) Act 2020 which introduced a series of measures to manage the situation created by the pandemic. I have included links to these below for your convenience.

Coronavirus (Scotland) Act 2020 (legislation.gov.uk)

Coronavirus (Scotland) (No.2) Act 2020 (legislation.gov.uk)

Further information on the Coronavirus Acts can be found here.

The Scottish Government also publishes reports every two months on provisions contained in the Scottish Coronavirus acts and secondary legislation (regulations) whose main purpose is coronavirus related. These can be found under the reports on coronavirus legislation section here.

The Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) has published extensive research and analysis papers on Coronavirus that you may find helpful which can be found here.

Question 3

Under Section 25(1) of FOISA, we do not have to give you information which is already reasonably accessible to you. If, however, you do not have internet access to obtain this information from the website(s) listed, then please contact me again and I will send you a paper copy.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Scottish Parliament passed two Bills in 2020. These were the Coronavirus (Scotland) Act 2020 and the Coronavirus (No.2) (Scotland) Act 2020 which introduced a series of measures to manage the situation created by the pandemic. I have included links to these below for your convenience.

Coronavirus (Scotland) Act 2020 (legislation.gov.uk)

Coronavirus (Scotland) (No.2) Act 2020 (legislation.gov.uk)

Further information on the Coronavirus Acts can be found here.

The Scottish Government also publishes reports every two months on provisions contained in the Scottish Coronavirus acts and secondary legislation (regulations) whose main purpose is coronavirus related. These can be found under the reports on coronavirus legislation section here.

Question 4

Under Section 25(1) of FOISA, we do not have to give you information which is already reasonably accessible to you. If, however, you do not have internet access to obtain this information from the website(s) listed, then please contact me again and I will send you a paper copy.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Scottish Parliament passed two Bills in 2020. These were the Coronavirus (Scotland) Act 2020 and the Coronavirus (No.2) (Scotland) Act 2020 which introduced a series of measures to manage the situation created by the pandemic. I have included links to these below for your convenience.

Coronavirus (Scotland) Act 2020 (legislation.gov.uk)

Coronavirus (Scotland) (No.2) Act 2020 (legislation.gov.uk)

Further information on the Coronavirus Acts can be found here.

The Scottish Government also publishes reports every two months on provisions contained in the Scottish Coronavirus acts and secondary legislation (regulations) whose main purpose is coronavirus related. These can be found under the reports on coronavirus legislation section here.

About FOI

The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at http://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.