Latest crackdown has full backing

Health and council chiefs have united behind the new restrictions on Lanarkshire.

Gabe Docherty, director of public health for NHS Lanarkshire, said:“Last week I warned locals that further restrictions were a very real possibility for our area. I would like to thank everyone who listened to this warning and followed the guidance that I gave.

“Although we enter into these restrictions with a heavy heart, I wholeheartedly welcome them.

“These new restrictions state that people living in the Lanarkshire area should not meet with people from other households in an indoor household setting.

“You can continue to meet outdoors and in hospitality settings. This is due to the protocols in place within hospitality settings to maintain physical distancing.

“You should continue to be extremely vigilant, follow all guidance, self-isolate and book a test if you have symptoms.

“If anyone is identified as a close contact of someone who has tested positive for Covid-19, their full household group should self-isolate for 14 days.

“Abiding by these new stricter limits will help to drive down the rate of transmission in Lanarkshire.

“I understand that we have made a lot of asks of local residents over the past few months. However, we really need you to support us by complying with these new restrictions immediately.

“Remember FACTS; Face coverings, Avoid crowded places, Clean hands regularly, Two-metre distance and self-isolate if you have symptoms.

“We need to suppress this virus and we can only do that with the support of local people.”

Councillor Jim Logue, leader of North Lanarkshire Council, said:“I know many people have been working very hard to comply with guidance. However, we can’t ignore the evidence of increasing cases across Lanarkshire and the view of public health experts that more must be done.

“I appreciate the challenges this presents. If we all comply with these additional restrictions we have a better chance of suppressing the spread of coronavirus and avoiding even more stringent measures.”

Councillor John Ross, Leader of South Lanarkshire Council, said: “These additional restrictions won’t be welcomed by anyone, but unfortunately it is clear that they are necessary given the recent rise in the number of infections.

“It is vital that absolutely everyone complies or we are just going to face yet more pain.”

Further guidance on the restrictions will be made available on the Scottish Government website.