Staying at home is a small ask, insists George

Paisley’s MSP George Adam has urged constituents to stay local when exercising and walking dogs, and avoid any unnecessary travel that could spread coronavirus.

Official advice from the Scottish and UK governments warns that people should not be driving somewhere with the intent of doing exercise or walking their dog – with new powers granted to police to enforce these regulations.

To protect yourself and others from illness and save lives, people in Paisley should also avoid driving to well-known local gathering places, such as the Gleniffer Braes and other beauty spots across Renfrewshire.

Mr Adam said: “Of course, exercise is extremely important for people’s physical and mental well-being, so it’s important to note that people in Paisley can leave their homes for exercise once a day, with members of their own household.

“However, you should only be outside for a reasonable purpose – buying food or essential household or medical supplies; travelling to or carrying out essential work; exercising once a day; or providing care or assistance to others.

“People in Paisley should make use of gardens - if they can - and stay local when exercising or walking dogs, to ensure that we stop the spread of coronavirus.

“This is about saving lives and protecting our NHS.

“We all recognise how unusual these regulations are and the Scottish Government will act to remove these restrictions as soon as it is safe to do so, but, in the meantime, we must all continue to do our bit and stay home as much as possible.

“I know how isolating and difficult this must be for everyone, but staying home is a very small ask compared to the lifesaving work all of our frontline staff and key workers are doing to make sure we survive this outbreak.”