We must slow the virus down, says Highlands and Islands MSP Maree Todd

North MSP Maree Todd reacted to the new Scotland-wide lockdown by emphasising that "firm and decisive action is needed" to slow down the spread of Covid-19.

She was speaking today after Nicola Sturgeon announced tough new measures taking effect from midnight tonight.

Ms Todd, an SNP MSP for the Highlands and Islands, said: “We are now seeing a higher prevalence of Covid-19 in the Highlands than we saw in the first wave of the virus.

"Although cases remain lower than in other areas of the country, they are rising and the new variant of the virus – which is understood to be even more infectious – means firm and decisive action is needed now.

“The extreme pressure that the NHS is experiencing in other parts of the UK also presents us with a stark warning. We need to act and take preventative action to ensure our health service in Scotland does not become overwhelmed.

"But the window to achieve this is tight and is why the measures set out by the First Minister today are so crucial.

“Right now, the message is clear – stay at home, except for reasonable and specific purposes. This includes education, caring responsibilities, essential shopping and exercise.

“As also announced today, remote learning for school pupils will continue until at least February 1. Schools will, however, be open for vulnerable children and those of essential workers.

"Returning to in-school learning remains a priority but we need to see reduced levels of community transmission while taking extra precaution due to the new strain of the virus.

“Undoubtedly there are difficult times ahead, but we are at the beginning of the end of this pandemic. As the vaccine programme progresses, normality is in sight – but we need to give the vaccine the time it needs to get ahead and, in order to do that, we must slow the virus down.

“It’s critical that we all follow the measures set out by the First Minister today and stay at home to protect the NHS and save lives.”

The charity Age Scotland pointed out that many older people may again need help getting food and other essentials.

Its head of policy and communications, Adam Stachura, said: “These measures are no doubt necessary to get to grips with the rapid spread of the virus. However, this return to a national lockdown similar to March of last year will be a bitter pill to swallow, particularly for the hundreds of thousands of older people living alone.

“The thought of enduring another lockdown without face-to-face contact with family or friends will be extremely difficult but this is clearly not a decision that has been taken lightly.

“We have seen the toll this virus has already taken on Scotland’s older population and, while the continuation of the vaccine roll-out offers some peace of mind, the new faster-spreading variant is cause for concern and makes these new measures essential.

“The past year has proven that periods of prolonged isolation can have a profound impact on mental and physical health but, by reaching out and offering support where possible, we can all play our part in alleviating the impact of lockdown loneliness.

“At the beginning of the pandemic, we saw an incredible outpouring of support, with people volunteering across the country to help with food delivery, collecting prescriptions – or simply a friendly phone call or doorstep chat. With shielding guidance expected soon, many older people may once again need help getting food and other essentials.

"We hope to see a continuation of this community support and would urge people to look out for older friends, neighbours and relatives they know will be affected by this guidance."

He added: “In October, we asked the Scottish Government to develop a winter action plan to support older people, particularly if we had another lockdown. It is vital that they make available and ensure a full range of support to those who need help with accessing food, and medical attention and prescriptions. These were considerable challenges for older people last spring and they mustn’t have the same difficulty this time around.

“We want older people to know that we are there for them. Our free helpline is available to offer advice, information and friendship to anyone who needs it. Please don’t hesitate to give us a call on 0800 12 44 222. As we re-enter a state of national lockdown, older people need to know they are not facing this difficult period alone.”

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