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MSP welcomes easing of Covid restrictions though mitigation measures remain


By Alan Beresford

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NEWS that most of the Covid restrictions in Scotland will be dropped has been welcomed by a local MSP.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon made the announcement earlier today.

Social distancing is to be dropped in most sites, this means pubs and restaurants will have the capacity to hold larger crowds.

It was also announced that as long as someone has been double vaccinated and tested negative then close contacts of those who test positive for Covid will no longer have to self-isolate.

In the first six weeks when schools return, school staff will be required to maintain physical distancing of one metre.

Some mitigations will remain in place, this includes:

  • Mandatory face coverings in public places.
  • Hospitality venues to continue to take details for Test and Protect.
  • Homeworking is to continue for now.
  • Event organisers still require permission to hold events of over 2,000 indoors and 5,000 outdoors.

Welcoming the further easing of restrictions, Banffshire and Buchan Coast MSP Karen Adam warned that the country was not out of the woods yet as regards the pandemic.

“The easing of restrictions is due to the successful rollout of the vaccination programme," she said.

"Uptake on the vaccine has surpassed all Scottish Government expectation among most age groups.

“Uptake on vaccines among young adults in the 18+ age range is good, however, we want it to be better to provide maximum protection.

“The Scottish Government are currently preparing to roll out booster jabs in the autumn if that is the recommendation of medical experts.

“This is not the end of the pandemic, it is still very real. The virus’s ability to mutate is still a concern as is the long term effects of long Covid.

“I know the ease in restrictions will be a welcome step for so many and a huge relief as we look to enter back into some normality. To ensure we can continue our trajectory toward normality I encourage everyone who is eligible to get their vaccines as soon as they can.”


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