Western Isles moving to Level 3

THE Western Isles will move from Level 4 to Level 3 restrictions today, the First Minister confirmed yesterday.

Nicola Sturgeon said that the easing of Covid curbs would be in effect from 6pm.

She added: ‘We know that the vaccination programme is now reducing deaths, and recent research also gives us confidence that vaccination will reduce transmission rates.

‘That opens up the prospect that we can come out of lockdown on a sustainable basis.

‘From 6pm [today], the Western Isles will move from Level 4 restrictions to Level 3 – the level that currently applies to Orkney and Shetland, and some of Scotland’s other islands. That reflects their success in reducing transmission in recent weeks.’ The Western Isles were placed under Level 4 curbs at the end of January after a number of Covid outbreaks.

The islands’ local authority, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, welcomed the announcement.

A spokesman said: ‘This will allow more businesses to open up and a further return to a more normal situation in the islands, although many restrictions still apply and it is vital to continue to follow advice and rules.’

Gym facilities on the islands will reopen for locals this weekend.

Barra and neighbouring Vatersay were the first of the Western Isles to enter lockdown on January 20 after 40 positive tests on Barra. With about 140 people self-isolating, the outbreak affected as much as 16 per cent of the island’s population. Islanders observed a voluntary lockdown as part of efforts to suppress the spread of the virus.

About a week after Barra and Vatersay entered Level 4, all of the Western Isles were subjected to lockdown rules after a number of new outbreaks, including at the Western Isles Hospital on Stornoway, Lewis.

NHS Western Isles’ vaccination programme has now reached the point of offering the over40s their first dose. More than half of all adults in the islands had received their first Covid-19 vaccination by the beginning of March.