Restrictions have a broader impact
Debate in the Scottish Parliament continues to be dominated by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
We have seen a recent spike in cases, particularly amongst young people, that has seen more restrictions brought in on individual behaviour.
Figures last week showed Perth and Kinross had the lowest number of cases of any local authority area in Scotland. The number here was barely one-tenth of the percentage in Glasgow, and well below that in other parts of the country.
I do question whether we need to have the same restrictions here that apply in other parts that are more seriously affected.
When there was a recent spiking of cases in Aberdeen, we saw a local lockdown there. If we are seeing an increase in cases in Glasgow, I do not see why the restrictions which apply there should also apply to places like Perth and Kinross.
I know that many local residents are deeply frustrated by the ongoing restrictions, which have a much broader impact both on the economy, and on people’s social lives and their mental health.
There are many people waiting for vital NHS treatments that they cannot now access.
At the same time, we are seeing huge pressure on businesses, particularly those in the hospitality and entertainment sector, who cannot operate. And churches have not been able to fully reopen because of the restrictions on numbers.
Many students started university over the last few weeks, and have found themselves locked down in halls of residence, unable to socialise or even leave to travel back to their family homes. There have even been suggestions that the restrictions introduced by the SNP Government have breached their human rights.
None of this has been helped by muddled messaging coming out of Holyrood about what students are permitted to do.
The impact on tourism has also been substantial, with a new restriction on more than one family renting selfcatering accommodation.
I know of many local businesses which have had a large number of bookings cancelled, and have had to repay deposits, as a result.
What they are finding is that their customers are booking accommodation in England where the same restrictions do not apply.
If the Scottish Government want to bring in these additional restrictions here, then the least they should be doing is providing proper compensation to businesses which are adversely affected.
It was good to see the UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak announce the new job support scheme, which will safeguard employment for many thousands of individuals across Scotland.
It is estimated the total UK Government support for Scotland at the time of this pandemic exceeds £16 billion. Of this, some £6.5 billion has been guaranteed to the Scottish Government, and we need to ensure that that huge sum is utilised as effectively as possible to sustain the economy and support jobs.
With winter on its way, there is a real fear that the situation is going to get worse before it gets better.
We all need to take care, and abide by the rules, if we are to avoid even more increases in the rate of infection and illnesses and deaths as a result.
Murdo Fraser always welcomes feedback from constituents.
He can be contacted at The Control Tower, Perth Airport, Scone, PH2 6PL, by email on murdo.fraser.msp@ parliament.scot or by telephone on 01738 553676.