Pub warning to young as cases rise
HALF of the latest new cases of coronavirus are among people in their 20s and 30s. Nicola Sturgeon said cases are increasing as more people go out to pubs and meet with friends from other households.
Ms Sturgeon said new figures showed 30 new cases in a day, the highest in the last eight weeks.
The First Minister said the virus is still under control and the 30 cases represented under 1% of the total tests yesterday.
However, she said: “People meeting up with friends in pubs are testing positive in higher numbers.
“I am urging people not to be complacent and to follow the rules.”
Ms Sturgeon said she wanted people to refocus on the measures needed to stop the spread.
She asked people to think about how their behaviour may have changes
She said: “Have we maybe just let our standards slip? If so, it is time to tighten up. Every time you don’t follow the rules it gives the virus a chance to spread.”
Younger people were asked to think about how much they want to go to a pub and how often they want to go out.
The First Minister added: “Think about how necessary these nights out are and how frequently you want to go out.”
She said: “Everywhere you go, act as is Covid is in the room, because it absolutely could be.”
Jason Leitch, national clinical director suggested young people have “taken their foot off too early”.
The latest figures showed there were 30 new cases. which was 0.8 of all tests in the last 24 hours.
There were 255 people in hospital, a decrease of five.
There were four people in intensive care, an increase of two.
There were no deaths yet again in the last 24 hours.
Meanwhile an increase in cases in north west England has led to people being advised not to travel there from Scotland.
The First Minister said travel between Scotland and Greater Manchester, East Lancashire and parts of West Yorkshire should only be undertaken if absolutely essential.
The Scottish Government said anyone currently in the affected areas does not need to return to Scotland early but should be extra vigilant in monitoring for symptoms.
Ms Sturgeon said: “I’m grateful to the Prime Minister for the update on the recent developments in the North West of England and all four nations agreed on the importance of sharing localised information as we work together to continue to suppress the virus. We have always been clear that localised flare ups are likely as we continue to suppress the virus but by responding quickly we can limit the effect.
“I strongly advise anyone planning to travel to areas affected in the north of England, or anyone planning to travel to Scotland from those same areas, to cancel their plans.”