First Minister and Scottish Government first heard the term COVID-19: FOI release

Information requested

1. When did the first minister and Government first hear the term COVID-19?
2. Which scientific advisors advised the First Minister?
3. When the government was first aware of Covid-19?

Response

Question 1 and 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.

The Scottish Parliament has published a Timeline of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Scotland which focuses on Scotland’s response to COVID-19 and includes all major developments.

Question 2:

The First Minister received scientific advice from the COVID-19 Advisory Group and it’s sub-groups regarding COVID-19. These include internal and external expert advisers from a range of scientific disciplines. The terms of reference (ToR) and other papers in connection with the members, role and work of the Advisory Group are published on the Scottish Government website.

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