Details of current pandemic plan and infection prevention and control measures: FOI release

Information requested

1) Please provide the Scottish government’s current pandemic plan.

2) Please state what actions are being taken to replace the unlawful NIPCM with a legally compliant infection control manual.

Response

1) Scottish Government pandemic plan
The Pandemic Preparedness Strategy was published on 25 March 2026. This sets out the commitment of all Four Nations of the UK to work together to improvement preparedness and develop cross-UK response capabilities. The Strategy builds on lesson identified from the Covid-19 pandemic and the ongoing Covid-19 inquiries.

The Strategy is available to view online at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pandemic preparedness-strategy-building-our-capabilities/introduction-and-principles-uk-wide

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.

2) National Infection Prevention and Control Manual (NIPCM)
Guidance in the NIPCM is based on reviews of the current scientific literature. Antimicrobial Resistance and Healthcare Associated Infection (ARHAI) Scotland continues to monitor this literature and keeps all infection prevention and control (IPC) measures in the NIPCM under review based on new and emerging evidence.

About FOI

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