Ross comments on festive restrictions to battle new strain of Covid

This morning, North MSP Gail Ross commented on the Scottish Government announcement that restrictions will be increased over the festive period to prevent the spread of the new, highly contagious strain of coronavirus.

The new restrictions, which place all of mainland Scotland into tier four from Boxing Day and revise the guidance for Christmas Day, will be debated and placed into law in the Scottish Parliament this week.

Mrs Ross, member of the Scottish Parliament for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross, said: “Whilst it will be very frustrating and disappointing for many that plans for the festive period will have to change, it is absolutely crucial that we all pull together to act quickly to prevent the spread of the virus and protect the NHS.”

“Support is there for businesses who are being asked to close due to the tier four restrictions and it’s important to note that there are still exceptions for people with caring responsibilities.”

The First Minister's announcement on Saturday said:

• the planned easing of restrictions around Christmas will be limited to Christmas Day itself, and not the previous five day window that was planned
• legal household limits will still apply – a maximum of eight people from three households – however advice is to minimise the numbers. Where possible, people should celebrate the festive period at home in their own household and meet with others outdoors
• other than for specific exemptions, travel between Scotland and the rest of the UK will not be legal
• travel within Scotland will be allowed on Christmas Day
• from Boxing Day, all of Scotland will have Level 4 restrictions applied, including the closure of non-essential retail and hospitality. The only exceptions will be Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles, and the other island communities where restrictions have been reduced in recent weeks, who will be placed in Level 3
• from Boxing Day, in line with existing law, travel across local authority boundaries between areas in Level 3 or 4 will not be legal other than for specific exempt purposes

“We are very close to being able to vaccinate widely – there is light at the end of the tunnel – however, until then, we must stay home, stay safe and remember facts,” emphasised Mrs Ross.

Full details of Saturday’s announcement can be found at www.gov.scot/news/new-guidance-issued-for-the-festive-period/

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