MSP pays tribute to Covid dead and local heroes

WishawMSPClareAdamsonhaspaid tribute to all those who have lost their lives one year on from the first lockdown.

March 23 marked exactly a year since Scotland first entered lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Ms Adamson has reflected that the last year has epitomised the spirit of our community.

She said:“It is difficult to remember a tougher year. I want to send my condolences to everyone who has lost a loved one.

“The anniversary of the first lockdown is a grim milestone but it is important that we pay our respects to those who have suffered loss and heartache.

“Though, we must also reflect upon the spirit our Motherwell andWishaw communityhasshown.

“People have come to support one another.We’ve been there for our friends and loved ones, even if at a distance.

“Individuals, fantastic voluntary organisations, and local businesses have displayed enduring kindness and humanity.

“We are not at the end of this long and difficult road and we must not become complacent.

“However, our vaccination programmecontinuesandwecan look to the future with hope.

“Let’s keep that spirit alive and well because we need to stay kind to each other right now.

“I have always known that Motherwell andWishaw is a special constituency but the people of our communityhaveshownwhyinthe last year.”

MsAdamsonwasspeakingbefore the most recent stats concerning coronavirus had been revealed.

North Lanarkshire has the second highest infection rate in the country for Covid.

Data was produced by the Scottish GovernmentonMondayafternoonas part of its national Covid-19 daily briefing.

In terms of Public Health Scotland’s rolling seven-day infection rate per 100,000 population,West Lothian has the highest infection rate in the country at 158.4 as of Sunday, March 28.

However, the second-highest is North Lanarkshire which has a rate of 143.5 while Glasgow City (104.6) has the third-highest rate.The rate for Scotland is 69.1 cases per 100,000.

In contrast, neighbouring South Lanarkshire is sitting at 74.3 cases per 100,000.

There were a further 352 cases of coronavirus confirmed in Scotland recorded on Sunday.

No further deaths were recorded in that time period which means 7,584 people have passed away since March 2020.

However, data from the National Records of Scotland (NRS) shows 9,897 deaths had been registered up to Sunday, March 21 where the disease was mentioned on the death certificate.

The First Minister has stopped her daily Covid-19 briefings ahead of the Scottish Parliament elections.

However, Nicola Sturgeon tweeted: “Please continue to abide by all the public health rules and advice. Stay safe and keep those you love safe too.”