Forbes admits new Covid restrictions are 'painful and bewildering'
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A Highland MSP has set out to explain why the north will go from tier one to tier four overnight after Christmas Day.
SNP member Kate Forbes said she understood that people would be angry and concerned.
The MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch said: “I am sure that many are still reeling from the announcement on Saturday afternoon by the First Minister about all of mainland Scotland, including the Highlands, being in Level 4 for three weeks from Boxing Day.
“It is painful and bewildering. I know people will be frustrated, worried and angry. I want to offer some explanation on two fronts.
“Firstly, this isn't so much about Christmas or indeed about the case numbers in the Highlands, which are low. In fact, due to falling cases, we had hoped to get through the next few weeks, at least in many parts of the country, without significantly more severe restrictions being necessary.
“What it is about is the rapid spread of the new strain of Covid-19 which is leading to a rapidly deteriorating and worsening situation in Wales, London and the South East. Only four weeks ago, London’s cases were very low – and now they are running out of control, with all relaxations for Christmas cancelled and the virus forecast to reach extraordinarily high numbers within days.
“Secondly, it is very difficult to accept new restrictions on the basis that they are preventative. This is action designed to prevent things getting worse – potentially very quickly – as a result of this new strain. If we act now, we have a chance of keeping this situation under control while the vaccination programme continues to make progress. There are already some cases in Scotland and so it is essential to prevent the new strain spreading as fast as it has in London, the South East and parts of Wales.
“Of course, the alternative is that we don't take action. That feels easier now, after a horribly difficult year – certainly I would love to enjoy a normal festive period with friends and family. But, we know what would happen because we’re watching it unfold elsewhere. We would face the same rapidly deteriorating situation as parts of England and Wales leading ultimately to tough restrictions later on which are much less effective because the virus has already spread far and wide.
“I will always represent the interests of the Highlands, reminding all decision makers of its remoteness, risks of isolation and loneliness and the impact on businesses. But, remote as we are, we aren’t immune to the virus. We have already seen its devastating effects here in our communities.”
Ross comments on festive restrictions to battle new strain of Covid
