Must do all we can to beat virus
It does not seem like two weeks ago since I last wrote in the Blairgowrie Advertiser.
Much like earlier in the year, the news cycle is moving so quickly as a result of the coronavirus pandemic it is difficult to keep up with the rapidity of changes.
In the last week the Northern Ireland Executive has agreed measures which effectively put the country back into some form of lockdown and, as I write this article, the government in Wales is expected to announce similar measures.
While we know much more about this virus than we did in March of this year, the uncertainty of how we will be impacted by it during the winter months with the combination of flu still exists.
We are currently seeing a large rise in the number of people catching the virus, and testing capacity is picking up a much higher number of positive cases as a percentage of those coming forward for testing.
But we do have a good system in place to deal with all of this.
If you have not already done so, I would recommend downloading the Protect. Scot app, which complements theTest and Protect system which is already in place.
I understand that not everyone has the capacity to do this, but if as many of us as possible use the app it puts us in a much better place going into the winter.
You can download the app from the Google Play and Apple App Store, or by visiting the website www. protect.scot.
Similarly, if you are eligible for a flu vaccine, even if you have never taken up the offer before, please do so this year.
I know that capacity in some areas has been an issue, as many people come forward all at once, but please persevere with getting your flu jab booked.
We know that the combination of flu and Covid-19 can be particularly dangerous.
Any help that you can provide the NHS by ensuring that you are vaccinated against flu is helping our frontline workers in a huge way.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is set to review our current restrictions in the coming days, and I want to thank the people of east Perthshire for their continued determination to help us fight this virus as best we can.
I know that the prospect of returning to tighter restrictions is not what we want to hear, but as we head into a period which in a normal year would see capacity in our hospitals already stretched, we must do whatever we can to avoid overwhelming the system.
Please continue to play your role in keeping our families, friends and neighbours safe.
Follow the guidance from the Scottish Government and the NHS.
If you can, get a flu vaccine and download the Protect Scotland app.
I am still available to help constituents who need to contact me during these worrying times.
Please email me at pete. wishart.mp@parliament.uk or call 01250 876576.