Alyn Smith MP and Evelyn Tweed MSP have welcomed today’s announcement from First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, updating the nation on Scotland’s fight against Covid-19. Scotland is set to move to Level 0 from next Monday (19 July), with certain modifications to indicative plans.
Moving to level 0 means that 8 people from 4 households will be able to meet indoors and 10 people from 4 households in an indoor setting such as a pub or restaurant. 15 people from 15 households can meet outdoors; up to 2,000 people can attend stadia seated, 1,000 standing, with 400 people indoors. The limit on attendance at weddings and funerals has increased to 200.
International travellers arriving from amber list countries will not have to self-isolate if they have had two COVID vaccines, but the advice remains not to travel unless it is essential.
These changes are intended to ensure that our pace of easing restrictions remains sensible in light of the challenge presented by the Delta variant. Certain mitigations, such as the mandatory wearing of face coverings, will likely remain in place for some time to come.
Recent figures show a decline in the overall number of daily reported cases over the last few weeks, yet cases remain high. Evidence suggests the vaccination campaign has weakened the link between cases, hospitalisations and deaths, yet concerns remain over the impact increased infection rates still may have on Scotland’s healthcare system.
The First Minister’s full statement can be found here: www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-update-first-ministers-statement-13-july-2021/
Evelyn Tweed MSP said:
‘Stirling, and Scotland, continues to make strong progress in our vaccination programme, and towards our path to easing restrictions. The challenges posed by the highly infectious Delta-variant are very real, so caution must be taken to protect our collective health.
‘I understand there will be great anxiety in my constituents, as they see other European countries experiencing sharp rises in case numbers. Whilst evidence suggests the link between infections, hospitalisations and deaths has been weakened, in no small part due to the terrific efforts of our vaccination programme, it would be reckless to throw caution to the wind and completely drop all public health measures overnight. A sustainable, gradual approach stands the best chance of reducing harm, as well as progressing towards greater normality.’
Alyn Smith MP said:
‘Today’s announcement from our First Minister strikes the right balance of progress towards greater normality, whilst accepting the dangers presented by the Delta variant and responding accordingly. Public attitude surveys and research suggest the public are acutely aware of the ongoing need to continue with some elements of public health measures, such as face-coverings, for the time being.’
‘This virus can still spread quickly, and the impact of ‘Long-Covid’ is still being researched by our scientists. We must stick to the public health guidance, and ensure we’re double-vaccinated as soon as we can be. I urge my constituents to take up their offers of vaccinations when possible.’
