The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Swinney’s warning not to let virus strike back
Deputy first minister appeals for caution as Covid restrictions are eased
Deputy First Minister John Swinney has urged people to abide by the rules regarding meeting, shopping and travelling in the wake of coronavirus restrictions being eased over Easter.
During a visit to Glendoick Garden Centre, the Perthshire North SNP parliamentary candidate cautioned: “The virus is down but it’s not yet out, and the last thing we need is to see it making a comeback and undoing all the progress from the massive effort and sacrifices we have all had to make.”
The latest lifting of some restrictions saw the stay at home order replaced on Friday with guidance to “stay local”, which urges people to remain within their local authority area.
A further easing now sees garden centres, homeware stores and click and collect services allowed to reopen, along with barbers and hairdressers.
Yesterday, Scotland recorded 343 new coronavirus cases and no new deaths of Covid-19 patients.
While sounding a note of caution, Mr Swinney did welcome the progress being made, saying: “It’s absolutely wonderful to be out and about again.”
Deputy First Minister John Swinney has urged Scots to continue following coronavirus restrictions as rules ease over the Easter weekend.
The stay at home order was lifted on Friday and replaced with guidance to “stay local”, which urges people to remain within their local authority area.
Further easing will take place today, with garden centres, homeware stores and click and collect services allowed to reopen, along with barbers and hairdressers.
On a visit to a garden centre in Perthshire, Mr Swinney said it is important to remember the virus is still circulating.
He added: “It’s absolutely wonderful to be out and about again.
“After the long winter months of being cooped up inside, I know everyone will be keen to get back to our more normal lives.
“We are seeing real progress in our fight against this dreadful pandemic.
“The hard sacrifices of the country – coupled with the fantastic effort of the vaccine programme getting jabs into arms of millions of Scots – is really paying dividends.
“While it’s great news that garden centres and hairdressers are allowed to reopen, everyone needs to bear in mind that it doesn’t mean the virus has gone away.”
Mr Swinney urged people to stick with the rules for now.
He added: “The virus is down but it’s not yet out, and the last thing we need is to see it making a comeback and undoing all the progress from the massive effort and sacrifices we have all had to make.
“But being here today demonstrates that we are making very welcome steps back towards the normal life we all so dearly wish for.
“My message is simple – enjoy the latest relaxing of the rules but remember to look out for each other, too.”
Meanwhile, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said she “can’t wait” to receive her first dose of the coronavirus vaccine later this month.
She said it had been a “grim year” for everybody because of the virus, as she revealed that she will receive her first vaccine injection in mid-April.
Ms Sturgeon, 50, tweeted a picture of her blue envelope with the vaccine appointment after it arrived through her letterbox.
She told the PA news agency: “It’s middle of April it’s due. I can’t wait.”
Yesterday, Scotland recorded 343 new coronavirus cases and no new deaths of Covid-19 patients.
A total of 2,553,837 people have received the first dose of a Covid-19 vaccination and 451,057 have received their second dose.
See further coronavirus coverage, including our lockdown portraits, on pages 16-18