Ross: The inevitable had to happen I’m afraid

The leader of South Lanarkshire Council says it’s disappointing but necessary that the area is moving into Tier 4 of Covid restrictions.

John Ross reacted to the news of the local authority area going into the strictest lockdown rules from tomorrow.

Mr Ross said:“i know that everyone will share my disappointment that it has been necessary to place Lanarkshire and other parts of Scotland in Level 4 of the Covid protection levels.

“But unfortunately it is clear from the public health data that further measures are necessary if we are to bring the infection rate under control.

“We have all made many sacrifices already in our collective effort to protect ourselves and others, and I am pleased to say that the vast majority of people in South Lanarkshire have followed the restrictions.

“This has helped flatten the rise in cases, but unfortunately the infection rate remains stubbornly high and more is needed.”

The South Lanarkshire Council leader also urged locals to stick to the rules to ensure some kind of normality this Christmas, and said support will be available for the community.

Mr Ross added:“however tough any of us find these additional restrictions, we need to stick to the rules. Otherwise we are putting at risk the health, and indeed the lives, of our family and friends. If we all do our bit maybe we can have something like a normal Christmas.

“I am grateful to the Scottish Government and COSLA for consulting with us on the new protection level and we will of course work with them and all partners in the critical work to do everything we can to stop the spread of Covid.

“I think we all understand all too well that the impact of the new restrictions on individuals and especially on businesses will be profound, but if action is not taken then I am afraid the impact on lives could be devastating. We continue in dialogue with the government about the financial and other support that will be available for our residents and affected businesses.

“South Lanarkshire Council has been at the forefront of efforts to support our residents and communities throughout the pandemic, and I can assure everyone we will continue to everything we can.”