What input (a) local authorities and (b) NHS boards have given to the funeral sector to help to provide personal protective equipment (PPE)…

The Scottish Government has had, and will continue to have, regular weekly discussions with the funeral industry in order that we may support them as best we can, including on PPE supplies and type and usage of body bags. Organisations, including funeral directors, should continue to buy PPE using their normal procedures. However we are aware of concern within the industry over continued supply of PPE and are currently exploring options to ensure that those working in the death management sector can access the personal protective equipment (PPE) they need. The Scottish Government has been working to expand sources of supply of PPE and related items, such as sanitiser, and offers of help from business are actively encouraged.
More broadly, decisions on PPE should be led by the public health guidance, by existing local policies, and by local risk assessment if there is a risk of contamination. The Scottish Government has proactively published our own guidance for funeral directors and burial and cremation authorities , which includes the use of appropriate PPE for infection control and usage of body bags, to further help these organisations manage their services during the current pandemic.
The Scottish Government is working at pace with the private sector to secure long term supply for the funeral industry, as well as for other non-public sector organisations which need to access PPE to deliver essential public services. To support funeral directors who need PPE immediately, we are putting in place arrangements to allow them to access health care supplies of PPE until a longer term solution is in place.
The Scottish Government will continue to work with the sector to ensure that we have a full understanding of their requirements in relation to PPE.