EXTRA funding of almost £1million is being handed to East Renfrewshire Council to help the care sector tackle Covid-19.

The windfall was announced by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon yesterday as part of a £50m package for services across the country.

Ms Sturgeon said the social care sector is "under immense pressure" as a result of the coronavirus crisis, adding that the Scottish Government is "working hard" to offer support, with increased testing in care homes and supplies of personal protective equipment.

As a funding package of £886,000 for East Renfrewshire was announced, she added: "It will help to ensure that care services around the country can cope with the immense pressures that they are facing at this time."

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said the Scottish Government has been undertaking a detailed review of additional costs incurred by the care sector.

“This funding is part of the Scottish Government’s commitment to support resilience in social care provision and ensure that any increasing need for social care as a result of the pandemic is met," she added.

“I hope this will reassure the social care sector that additional costs related to Covid-19 will be provided and we will continue to work closely with Cosla (Convention of Scottish Local Authorities) and NHS boards to ensure they have the resources needed throughout this pandemic.”

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