Issues being investigated under Term of Reference 2(e)

ToR 2(e) requires the Inquiry to investigate the strategic elements of the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic in Scotland relating to:

“the supply, distribution and use of Personal Protective Equipment”.

In relation to ToR 2(e) the Inquiry will examine:

1. Decision-making by the Scottish Government, including: pre-pandemic planning for adequate supplies of suitable personal protective equipment (PPE); procurement of PPE; the boards and groups established by the Scottish Government and whether the members represented a proper cross-section of relevant bodies/persons; reclassifying COVID-19 so that it was no longer a “High Consequence Disease” and the extent to which this affected decisions in respect of PPE; to what extent the method of transmission of COVID-19 was considered in relation to decisions in respect of PPE requirements; and decisions to mandate the use of PPE in certain situations.
2. Implementation issues in respect of PPE, including: arrangements for distribution of PPE; the testing of expiry dates of PPE and the subsequent extension of expiry dates; the enforcement of the use of PPE; and the efficacy of exemption schemes.
3. Impacts in relation to PPE for individuals, business, the public and third sectors, including: differences in availability of PPE depending on the sector; the cost and availability of PPE; the suitability and effectiveness of PPE supplied; wealth inequality resulting in certain people in society not having access to PPE; the proper fitting of PPE; and the impact of the use of PPE for those with disabilities.
4. Communication around guidance and support on the use of PPE, including whether it was timeous and clear.