We mustn’t take our eye off the ball on pandemic
This week, the Scottish Government’s vaccination programme hit a major milestone, with confirmation that over 50 per cent of all adults have now received both doses of their COVID vaccine.
The total number of people now with full protection numbers approximately 2.3m - and I will be joining them today - with over 3.2m people having now had at least one vaccination. This is a monumental achievement, given that the rollout began just six months ago.
Indeed, recent data confirmed that Scotland’s pace of vaccination is the third fastest in the world, behind only Wales and Israel.
This achievement should be a major source of pride for everyone in the country, and it is an accomplishment that we have all played a part in. From NHS staff, to volunteers, to soldiers, this has been a truly collaborative effort.
Moreover, without so many of you coming forward for vaccination, we would not be in such a promising position.
It is because of the strength of our vaccine programme that we have been in a position to ease COVID restrictions over the past number of weeks. Indeed, Perth and Kinross’ recent move into level one is further evidence of the progress we have made.
With the restoration of more freedoms, the hope of better weather and Scotland taking part in a major men’s tournament for the first time in over two decades, I am hopeful that the weeks ahead will prove far more enjoyable than the majority of the last 15 months.
However, it would be wrong to think that the pandemic is over. Case numbers across the country are rising, with the latest variant of the virus proving significantly more infectious. It would not only be a mistake, but a potentially calamitous one, if we were to take our eye off the ball.
To that end, the Scottish Government will continue to ensure that the decisions we take are based upon evidence, data and the advice of scientists and public health experts.
We will proceed with care so as to ensure that the progress we make is sustainable, and that the public and businesses can have confidence in our journey out of lockdown.
So, whilst it is important that we all savour the hard-won freedoms that our sacrifices have earned, it is imperative that we continue to act sensibly, follow the Scottish Government’s guidance and protect ourselves and others.