Stirling and Clacks placed in level three
Stirling and Clackmannanshire have both been placed in level three of the Scottish government’s new plan to tackle the spread of coronavirus.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon yesterday revealed which level each of Scotland’s 32 local authority areas will be placed in to. The new measures come in to force from Monday.
Under the new guidelines, residents are being asked not to travel in and out of their regions.
Level three rules mean household gatherings are still banned, however hospitality businesses can reopen for food trade, with a curfew of 6pm. Sales of alcohol, both indoors and outdoors at hospitality venues will be banned.
Non-essential travel into or out of the level 3 area will also not be allowed.
Shops will remain open but offices and call centre workers have been told to work from home where possible.
Ms Sturgeon said: “We know that these areas in level three have been under restrictions for a number of weeks, particularly on household interaction.
“Based on the data we are considering, if progress in suppressing the virus is maintained, we would hope that at a very early review point, we will be able to consider moving some areas from level 3 to level 2 reasonably soon. I cannot make that commitment now, but I hope we will be able to confirm it in the coming weeks.
“Our approach to managing Covid will work best when there is real partnership working been neighbouring authorities and health boards on how to drive down levels of infection, share resources, and communicate with and support communities.”
In the latest restrictons, she urged residents across Scotland “please comply” adding: “Wherever you live just now, do not travel too and from level three areas.”
Stirling SNP MSP Bruce Crawford said: “There have been around 80 new cases of Covid-19 across the Stirling area in the past seven days, that’s a rate of around 96 per 100,000.
“Most people see those figures and understand why measures need to be taken to restrict the amount of interaction households have with each other in order to slow down and stop the spread of the virus.
“Level three restrictions are largely the same as those we’ve experienced in the Forth Valley area for the past three weeks.”
Mr Crawford added: “However, hospitality businesses are now able to open with a strict early closing time of 6pm. They will, however, not be permitted to serve alcohol.”
Stirling SNP MP Alyn Smith said: “The spread of Covid-19 throughout Europe is on the rise. This week, we have seen France and Germany go back into full national lockdown; this is what we are trying to avoid having to do in Scotland. “Myself, Bruce Crawford and Stirling Council will work closely with communities and businesses in coming days to help ensure people are getting as much support as possible.”
The Stirling MP went on: “However, I must urge everyone to stick with the rules and to keep themselves and others safe. Doing this will see us under softer restrictions much sooner.”
Mid Scotland and Fife Tory MSP, Dean Lockhart said: “The Scottish Government has finally acknowledged the need to allow more hospitality businesses to be open.
“At least some can now do so but they have lost three weeks trading they will never get back. However, there are still many that will have to either stay shut or decide it is simply not worth opening. Sufficient support must be available for those and must stay in place for as long as needed.”