Concern as virus takes hold in young
June began with a welcome air of optimism – the sun was shining, the men’s national football team were about to play in their first international tournament for 23 years, and Covid cases were low enough to allow for further easing of restrictions.
But, as the schools finish for the summer, things have taken a worrying turn with the number of confirmed cases having rocketed to the highest recorded levels of the whole pandemic.
While the early signs suggest the vaccination programme is significantly reducing the severity of illness, in those who have had both doses, the virus is clearly taking hold in the younger population who are not yet vaccinated and this is something we must be mindful of as mixing with other households increases during holidays, days out, summer camps, etc.
It is a hard balance to strike but remaining cautious and ensuring we keep doing the simple things, such as wearing masks, washing our hands
regularly and maintaining our distance where possible, will undoubtedly help.
In Parliament, I continued to raise concerns over the UK Government’s new trade deal with Australia, which has the potential to result in an influx of meat into the UK that has not been reared to the same high standards as in Scotland.
This would not only undercut our farmers, whose meat costs more to produce, but could have worrying implications for health.
Of particular concern is the widespread use of antibiotics to promote growth in farm animals, a practice which has been banned in the EU and UK for over 15 years because of its contribution to antimicrobial resistance; one the major global threats to health and healthcare.
Although some of us may think we can avoid purchasing such meat, its origin may not be clearly labelled and it may well end up in ready meals, takeaways, and restaurant food, or even in school and hospital meals.
Also, as premium‘Scotch’meat becomes relatively more expensive to produce, many may simply not be able to afford to choose which meat they consume.