STURGEON URGED TO SORT CONFUSION OVER SPAIN HOLS
NICOLA Sturgeon has been told to clear up “confusing” guidance on quarantine after lifting strict rules for Scottish holidaymakers looking for some Spanish sun – but warning against travel abroad.
The popular tourist country was kept off Scotland’s first list “air bridge” destinations because of concerns with the rate of Covid-19 infections. But the Scottish Government went on to remove the requirement earlier this week, despite the infection rate tripling.
Yesterday, Sturgeon defended the decision while telling Scots to holiday at home unless it’s “essential”.
The comments were branded a muddle which will throw holiday plans into chaos, and led to calls for her to publish scientific data.
Asked about the basis for the easing of Spanish travel restrictions at the regular coronavirus briefing, Sturgeon said Spain’s infection rate is “now very close to ours”.
She said: “The decisions we’re taking around air bridges and international travel are based on assessments of prevalence data. A couple of weeks ago, I decided not to exempt Spain from quarantine requirements because, at that point, the prevalence data we had for Spain showed that it was significantly higher than ours.
“The most up-to-date prevalence data for Spain, which is why we took the decision to include Spain on the exempt list earlier this week, shows that the prevalence estimate is now very close to ours.”
Scottish Lib Dem leader Willie Rennie demanded the SNP Government published scientific details underpinning its decisions. Rennie said he has supported Sturgeon’s “cautious approach” in the past but has “increasing doubts” she is following sound science.”