Tom talks Covid threat has not passed yet
BY RENFREWSHIRE
SOUTH MSP TOM ARTHUR
These past weeks have seen some of the biggest changes in terms of our ability to work and socialise so far on our route out of lockdown.
I have enjoyed spending time with my friends and family, and visiting retailers across the constituency – both as an opportunity to pick up some essentials and to support small local businesses.
As the prevalence of Covid-19 is seeing a reduction in Scotland with numbers of those in hospital and intensive care steadily reducing, it must not be forgotten that this virus continues to pose a threat to both lives and livelihoods.
With the Scottish Government expecting to make a decision next week on schools returning full time following the summer break, pupils returning as normal will only be possible if we all continue to follow the guidelines.
Returning to school is so important for the wellbeing of young people, and parents being able to work as normal is vital to our economic recovery. This has been a long road, and it is so important for children and their parents that they can return.
It is incumbent on all of us to remain vigilant, and to adhere to social distancing guidelines.
Returning to shopping centres, restaurants and bars means that life feels a lot more like normal, and the ability to meet family and friends indoors can make it seem like the threat has passed.
It is easy to reach out for a quick hug or handshake when we see someone we have missed, but it will be a while yet until we can greet each other this way.
We need to remember that things shouldn’t feel normal.
There are still rules in place. Adults still need to socially distance from each other if they are from different households. There are limits on the number of groups that can meet each day. If things feel ‘back to normal’ it’s not a good sign.
Clusters of cases such as those in Dumfries and Galloway and at Motherwell’s Sitel call centre in Maxim Park show how rapidly the virus can spread if given the opportunity, so we must stay safe to protect ourselves and those around us.
I am looking forward to the day we can have live music – and karaoke! – in our pubs and clubs; when theatrical groups can perform again and when other opportunities that are currently restricted are opened up again.
These things can happen, but we need to all take responsibility for this and remember the FACTS: Face coverings in enclosed spaces; Avoid crowded places; Clean your hands and surfaces regularly; Two-metre social distancing and Self-isolate and book a test if you develop coronavirus symptoms
It can be tough to walk away from a crowded beauty spot, and frustrating to queue to get into our favourite shops, but by being sensible and keeping the opportunities for the virus to find new bridges of transmission, we can achieve elimination of the virus here in Renfrewshire South and across Scotland.
Thank you to each of you for doing your part to protect each other and protect our communities.