Covid tier system could split families: Warning

The implementation of a tier system to control coronavirus could hurt families in Angus and Dundee, a councillor has said.

Braden D a v y, the Conservative candidate for Angus North and Mearns in next year’s Holyrood elections, has warned the scheme will lead to travel bans – separating loved ones across Scotland.

The new tier system is expected to come into place on Monday.

Central belt areas are already under the equivalent of Tier 3 – the second-highest of the five levels from zero to four.

A leaked letter published earlier this week suggested Dundee could be placed in same bracket, prompting speculation about the effect on families and the local economy.

If Dundee is placed in

Tier 3, with Angus given a lower banding, Tayside residents will be strongly advised against inessential travel in and out of the city.

Forfar councillor Mr D av y said: “This will concern families.

“What if a Dundee family has an elderly relative in Carnoustie or a care home in Brechin? These are the kind of human issues that need full clarity and cleared up.”

Mr Davy said communication around the tier system had been poorly-handled.

“It is not acceptable how the information about these tiers has been dealt with, and that is as a local councillor,” he said.

“Just think about how the general public must feel about the speculation.”

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said Dundee could be facing tougher Covid restrictions at her daily briefing on Monday.

Mr Davy said he hoped the Scottish Government had learned lessons from Aberdeen, where a local lockdown was brought in over August, leading to complaints from businesses and residents.

He added: “That was a very costly mistake to make and it has lost them a lot of public confidence.

“Angus has a low case figure at the moment compared to other areas, which I am thankful for, and aware it could change.

“People here have been very careful and hospitality has been put out by the fact they stuck to the rules, but have still had to close due to the restrictions.

“We’ll have to take it as it comes.”

Ms Sturgeon said on

Monday that ministers and health officials were monitoring the situation in Dundee very closely, adding that rising levels of infection were giving cause for concern.

Tier 3 for the city took a step closer yesterday when

she announced the provisional tier levels for each area (see page 4).

The first minister warned Dundee could face some of the toughest measures in Tier 3. The various levels are to be confirmed by the government tomorrow.

Councillor Braden Davy. Picture by Gareth Jennings.