Alyn Smith MP and Evelyn Tweed MSP have offered their comments on the recent Covid update to the Scottish Parliament, from First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.
In her speech regarding Scotland’s fight against Covid-19, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon acknowledged current concerns over increasing case numbers, but suggested vaccination efforts were performing well in weakening the relationship between cases, hospitalisations and deaths.
Public health authorities and the Scottish Government are continuing to monitor the situation, and urge the public to follow health guidance around handwashing, the wearing of face coverings, physical distancing where possible and encourage the uptake of vaccinations.
The First Minister also notified Parliament of the Government’s intention to introduce vaccination certifications for entry to certain venues, pending a full parliamentary debate and vote.
Coronavirus vaccination certificates will be required to enter certain events and higher risk venues, such as nightclubs, music festivals and some football grounds, if Parliament backs the move in a vote planned for next week.
While Covid cases continue to rise and to avoid as little disruption to the economy as possible, the Scottish Parliament will be asked to vote on the introduction of the certification scheme which will only be implemented once all adults have had the opportunity to receive both doses of the vaccine. Children and adults that are ineligible for vaccination will be exempt.
Further details on these proposals can be found here:
https://www.gov.scot/news/covid-19-vaccination-certification/
Alyn Smith MP said:
‘Proposals for vaccination certifications are a significant step in Scotland’s fight against Covid-19. I fully understand the impact such public health measures may have in our liberal democracy. But I’m reassured these proposals will be subjected to parliamentary scrutiny every three weeks, in line with previous Covid-19 measures. As in other European countries, the use of QR codes can give the public the assurance they need to resume more of their activities and lives, whilst maintaining control of the spread of the virus.’
Evelyn Tweed MSP said:
‘There’s been many associated harms during this pandemic, not least to physical health but also the mental and economic wellbeing of our communities. Today’s proposals of vaccination certifications from the First Minister are sensible, striking a balance between respecting civil liberties and freedoms, whilst recognising further public health measures will be appropriate in certain settings to control the virus, and avoid further lockdowns and general restrictions.
‘I also fully support the government’s intention to subject these proposals to Parliamentary debate and scrutiny, central tenets to Scotland’s democracy.’
