MSP urges Sutherland constituents to 'have their say' on lockdown exit
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North SNP MSP Gail Ross is urging her constituents in Caithness, Sutherland and Ross to have their say as the Scottish Government publishes an update on what life might look like when coronavirus restrictions are changed.
Covid-19: A Framework for Decision Making says the current lockdown is pushing the number of infectious cases down, but concludes that the virus continues to pose a serious threat to public health in Scotland.
Mrs Ross has also encouraged constituents to read the Scottish Government's Test, Trace, Isolate, Support paper, published this week, which she says will be a key aspect of the next phase of the battle against coronavirus.
The testing and tracing strategy will work alongside other virus suppression measures, including physical distancing, hand-washing and the use of face coverings in some situations. Thousands of contact tracing staff are also to be taken on, and new digital tools including an app are being developed.
Mrs Ross said: "The decisions on how we come out of lockdown will affect all of us – and so it's important that these decisions are made as openly and collaboratively as possible, with councils, businesses, unions, public services and community groups in Caithness, Sutherland and Ross all forming part of the discussion.
"The Scottish Government has launched an online forum that gives people the opportunity to offer their reflections on lockdown restrictions – and I'd urge everyone in the Highlands to share any ideas they have on how we should move forward.
“There are no easy answers. But it is right for the Scottish Government to keep people up to date and be clear about the factors that inform decision-making, and I'd encourage everyone in the Highlands to continue reading the official guidance and information published.
"For now, the advice for people in Caithness, Sutherland and Ross remains the same. Staying at home and only making essential journeys is saving lives. Keeping physical distance in the limited circumstances when you have to be around people and continuing to wash your hands regularly are still the best ways to reduce your risk of infection.
“Everyone has a part to play in combating this virus. While I understand that these measures are difficult for all of us, they are saving lives and protecting our NHS.”
