Restrictions on normal life‘for some time’MSP warns

A Perth and Kinross MSP has warned residents across the region they must prepare for restrictions on normal life“for some time”.

Roseanna Cunningham, MSP for Perthshire South and Kinross-shire constituency, was speaking after the Scottish Government published a new document outlining how decisions will be taken to control coronavirus (COVID-19) while restoring a degree of normality to everyday life.

The paper -‘COVID-19: A Framework for DecisionMaking’sets out the position during this ongoing period of lockdown and outlines the factors that must be considered as the nation moves gradually to ease restrictions.

It also recognises that new ways of living – effectively a “new normal”– may have to be in place for some time to come.

Ms Cunningham said:“It really is welcome that the

Scottish Government has published an outline of how and when the lockdown may be lifted, and I urge everyone to take the time to read this important document.

“It is vital that any decision to ease restrictions is based on the best scientific advice possible – but we are in uncharted territory and we must be prepared to adapt. That might mean having to reapply restrictions after they are lifted.

“It is only when we are sure the virus is under control that we can even start to ease any of the restrictions because the virus will not have gone away.

“There are no easy answers – but it is right for the Scottish Government to be clear about the factors that will inform decision making.

“In the coming days and weeks members of the public will be invited to contribute their thoughts and views on the next steps we must make together.

“Unfortunately, returning to what we regard as a normal life will not be possible in the near future so we need to prepare for a new normal until treatments and a vaccine offer different solutions.

“While these measures are difficult for all of us, they are saving lives and protecting our NHS.”