EXPERT WARNS OF ‘SOCIAL UNREST’ OVER LOCKDOWN

Holyrood told to beware of public backlash as Sturgeon accepts ‘growing frustration’ — while PM introduces tough new measures

SCOTLAND risks descending into ‘social unrest’ amid falling support for lockdown rules, a health expert has warned.

Professor linda Bauld yesterday said there is ‘declining’ support for measures imposed to stem the spread of covid-19.

she warned this could lead to ‘unrest’ amid growing ‘distrust’ in the guidance issued by the scottish government.

the professor of public health at edinburgh University called for ‘more severe consequences’ for those who flout restrictions, including those holding large parties and illegal raves.

she also urged ministers to ‘embrace’ airport coronavirus testing as ‘voluntary quarantine’ rules are proving ineffective.

the prospect of mass public protests was raised as First minister nicola sturgeon warned scots could face fresh curbs, with a further 159 people testing positive for the virus. she said scotland was ‘currently at a very dangerous point’ amid fears of another surge of covid-19.

Boris Johnson yesterday announced a new ‘rule of six’ in england which limited the number of people who can meet indoors. He warned the

rules could be in place for months, raising the possibility that gatherings at Christmas could be banned.

In Scotland, up to eight people from three households can gather inside – but Miss Sturgeon has signalled she could introduce similar restrictions to the Prime Minister.

Today she will update her position on the route map out of lockdown – but is expected to pause progress.

Speaking to Holyrood’s Covid-19 committee yesterday, Professor Bauld pointed to the hundreds of lockdown protesters who demonstrated outside the Scottish parliament last weekend.

She warned conspiracy theories undermining support for the restrictions are being fuelled by global groups ‘spreading misinformation’.

Professor Bauld called for a nuanced communications drive to push the government’s message of why people must stick to the rules.

She said: ‘I am very concerned about the next few months and potential unrest.

‘We’ve seen it around the world, groups that are spreading disinformation but also just gathering, as we’ve already seen in Scotland, to express distaste and distrust in the messaging and the guidance that has been given.

‘We’re going to have to be very careful to keep on top of that because history shows that following pandemics there is social unrest and we need to be cognisant of that.’

Professor Bauld also raised serious concerns over the flouting of measures in place to stamp out the virus.

She warned this was due to falling support for restrictions, such as limits on the number of people who can gather.

The professor said: ‘Public support is declining for the measures that are being put in place and the Government’s messaging and measures generally. Support is lower among men compared to women and it’s slightly lower among young people.’

She warned that large indoor events, such as illegal raves, are ‘highly irresponsible’ and said it was ‘entirely appropriate that there should be much more severe consequences for those who irresponsibly organise these events’.

Professor Bauld also called for the urgent roll-out of quick-result tests, stating: ‘If we can’t get rapid testing we really are in trouble’.

She raised specific concerns over the two-week quarantine for those arriving in Scotland from certain countries including Spain, Greece, Portugal and the United States.

Currently, those arriving from some countries must self-isolate for 14 days – with fines of up to £5,000 for those who breach the restrictions.

However, experts have warned that the failure to follow up with all travellers means there is little incentive for many people to stick to the quarantine.

Professor Bauld described the scheme as ‘voluntary’ and urged ministers to take forward a move for mandatory airport testing – which could see international arrivals tested on landing and then up to a week later.

She said: ‘Incoming travellers are not following the guidance necessarily, we have seen examples of that and the penalties and the enforcement of that I think are pretty limited for follow-up.

‘Looking ahead, airport testing is going to be something that we will require.

‘If you have mandatory airport testing, repeat testing, I think that will minimise the risk of people not following what is essentially voluntary quarantine.’

Speaking at the Scottish Government’s daily briefing on the pandemic, Miss Sturgeon admitted restrictions are a ‘pain in the neck’ but insisted they remain necessary.

Comment – Page 16

‘Distrust in the guidance’