Stay at home - for lockdown 2
New laws come into force
Residents in the Strath and beyond have been told to “stay at home” following the region’s return to what is effectively a full Covid-19 lockdown until at least the end of January.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon revealed on Monday during an update to parliament that education facilities will remain closed until February 1, with only vulnerable children and children of key workers able to attend for the time being.
Ms Sturgeon said that the government would enforce legal ‘stayat-home’ laws from Tuesday this week – similar to those rolled out last March.
People wishing to head outdoors will only be permitted to do so for caring duties, essential shopping, exercise and visiting an extended household.
Residents must work from home where possible and those shielding should not go into work at all.
Outdoor meetings have also been further restricted, with only two people from two separate households allowed to meet in a public place.
Children aged 11 and under are excluded from the above rule.
Current travel restrictions remain in place and, from Friday, places of worship are to close, except to host funerals and civil partnership services.
The new rules will be reviewed in mid-January and the First Minister said they may be extended or changed depending on the infection rate.
Schools in Scotland were due to return full-time on January 18 – but a rise in infections has prompted plans for a longer shutdown.
Ms Sturgeon warned the government had to act “quickly and decisively in the national interest”.
Following the news, Perthshire South and Kinross- shire MSP Roseanna Cunningham said: “I know how difficult this further lockdown will be for everyone – but it is absolutely necessary to bring this killer virus under control.
“If the country does not act now then we risk the NHS being overwhelmed and even more people will die because of this virus.
“This is no theoretical risk – it is the desperate reality Scotland faces now and over the coming weeks.”
Ms Cunningham continued: “That means everyone must play their part in a national fightback by sticking to both the letter and the spirit of the new rules. Please do not go looking for loopholes.
“Stay at home and don’t go out unless it is entirely necessary. And do not travel beyond the boundaries of Perth and Kinross if you are going out to exercise.
“If your usual exercise spot is busy, don’t add to the crowd. Try somewhere else close by where you are not giving the virus more opportunities to spread.
“We know there is renewed hope with the rollout beginning of a second vaccine. Vaccines will be delivered as widely and as fast as possible – but they can’t protect us all yet.
“So, we must not let our guard down. Instead, we must re-double our vigilance and stick even more tightly to these toughened new rules.
“I know these sacrifices are very difficult, but they will not be in place for a moment longer than absolutely necessary. But, unfortunately, they are currently more vital than ever.”