Mixed reaction tonew restrictions

People in West Lothian have reacted to the First Minister’s announcement of more restrictions this week — and they are not amused.

Nicola Sturgeon announced on Tuesday that indoor visits between households in Scotland are now banned and pubs and restaurants will have to close their doors at 10pm.

There are some exemptions to allow for childcare arrangements and tradespeople.

She said evidence showed that “social interaction between different households”was a key driver of transmission of the disease and the main reason for a rise in cases.

In a televised address to the nation, she said:“By staying out of other people’s houses for now, we give ourselves the best chance of bringing Covid back under control.”

But these restrictions have already been criticised for having a severe impact on people who are lonely and struggling as it is.

We asked what folk in West Lothian thought of the new restrictions and we were flooded with comments on our Facebook page.

And while some think the restrictions are necessary the vast majority are not in favour.

Ally Menzies said:“Just to clarify— I’m not allowed to visit my mum in her home, but I can go with folk in the pub till 10pm. We are waiting for clarification on our drive-in cinema, even though they are in their cars — but I can go into anybody’s house and fit a bathroom or kitchen?”

Fiona Ferguson said:“Yet again teenagers can do whatever they like, meeting up with other households outside, down the park drinking etc, yet I can’t meet my two sisters outside in a garden, two metres away from each other, both of which have been doing every little thing they can to avoid getting or passing on the virus using masks and hand sanitiser, as well as not seeing each other for months other than Facetime.

“Angry is not the word! Kids are still going to school and can see their friends there so these rules should apply to them as well for outside school.”

Alan Borsbey added:“So pubs shut at 10pm,‘lets go back to my house for a drink’, really Nicola, you thought that one out, not!”

And Maria Taylor said:“I’ve been avoiding busy pubs and staying in my bubble with three houses but I can go to the pub with 100 strangers, makes no sense I can social distance in my mums house, not the pub.”

However Heather Elizabeth Taylor was more understanding.

She said:“I don’t think the government can win. No matter what they do, people will complain. Yes, it seems weird that you can’t go into someone’s house but can go to the pub but I think they are just trying to minimise Covid cases and keep economy going.”

And John Purdie said:“Does it matter what people think, no point moaning, all we can do is go with it as best as you can. If a few restrictions is all you have to worry about then you’re OK.”