A NEW NORMAL
FM hints at shift away from restrictions in order to live with Covid long term
NICOLA Sturgeon has hinted the Scottish Government is planning for a long-term shift away from restrictive coronavirus measures.
The First Minister last night insisted temporary rules brought in over the festive season to tackle the spread of the Omicron variant had made a difference.
But the SNP leader said Scots must now ask themselves “what adaptations to pre-pandemic life” might be needed so the country can live with Covid-19.
It comes as Sturgeon prepares to give a Covid update at Holyrood today on whether restrictions will be relaxed.
She previously signalled she expected the rules – which limit crowds at football matches to just 500 people – would end by January 17.
The First Minister has now suggested a longer-term rethink is required.
She said: “Sometimes when you hear people talk about learning to live with Covid, what seems to be suggested is that one morning we’ll wake up and not have to worry about it any more and not have to do anything to try to contain and control it,”
“That’s not what I mean when I say ‘learning to live with it’.
“Instead, we will have to ask ourselves what adaptations to pre-pandemic life – face coverings, for example – might be required in the longer term to enable us to live with it with far fewer protective measures.”
Sturgeon added: “We are in a position where we all want to get to as much normality as possible.
“But we need to recognise that this virus, although we hope Omicron is milder than previous variants, still takes lives and it still causes significant health impacts for people.
“So we have got to treat it seriously and not underestimate the damage it can do.”
Business leaders have claimed the additional Omicron restrictions that took effect from Boxing Day have failed to make a “meaningful difference” on case numbers.
Peter Duthie, chief executive of the Scottish Event Campus in Glasgow, yesterday revealed his business has lost about £2million in revenue as a result of the latest clampdown.
He said: “It’s been a hugely challenging couple of years for the industry and just when a degree of fragile confidence was returning before Christmas, we were then hit by this further lockdown.” “Events matter to people – whether it’s sporting events, concerts, live exhibitions – they all play a big part in people’s lives.”
Hospitality bosses are desperate for an end to social distancing measures that limit customer numbers.
Pubs are banned from serving drinks at the bar while most nightclubs have been closed.
Jackie Baillie, Scottish Labour’s spokeswoman on Covid recovery, said: “People and businesses need urgent answers – but too often the SNP have seemed more concerned with spin than facts.
“The First Minister must provide the real solutions we need to protect lives and livelihoods through this wave.”
Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce (AGCC) spoke out yesterday after a poll of members found almost two-thirds believe the measures in place are no longer proportionate to the risk posed by Omicron.
More than two-fifths warned they could cut staff if the restrictions are not eased.
AGCC director Ryan Crighton said: “The First Minister must announce the end of these damaging restrictions this week.
“Not doing so places the very survival of many businesses at risk and jobs on the line.”