Committee will oversee response
Proceedings at Holyrood over the past few weeks have been dominated by the coronavirus crisis.
A new parliamentary committee has been formed, the COVID-19 committee, and I have been asked to be the convenor of this new body.
At the time of writing, the new committee has already met twice.
The purpose of the committee is to scrutinise the legislation introduced by the Scottish Government to deal with the crisis, and to hear reports from ministers on the exercise of their powers.
In addition, the committee is taking a forward look at overall strategy towards tackling the epidemic, particularly in relation to the relaxation of the current lockdown.
It is important to state that the existing committees to parliament will continue to do their work.
So issues around PPE, testing, and the NHS response to the virus, are being handled by the health and sport committee.
Similarly, the economy committee is taking a particular interest in the issue of business support.
I know that there are many individuals and businesses who are particularly interested in the existing lockdown and when it might end.
Overall, the lockdown arrangements have very substantial public support, as people do realise that they have been necessary in order to keep the infection rate down and reduce pressure on the NHS.
However, we all recognise that the lockdown cannot last forever.
There is a real risk that if the lockdown ends we see a second, or subsequent, wave of the virus, which risks overwhelming the NHS.
This is a risk we cannot afford to take.
For that reason, any relaxation of the lockdown needs to be led by the science and is likely to be done in a phased manner over an extended period of time.
I have had representations from various businesses, sectors and groups making the case why lockdown should be relaxed in their particular area.
So, for example, I know the construction industry is keen to return to work and believes that it could operate safely with social distancing.
I’ve also had letters from lots of golfers making the point that the risk of infection from individuals playing golf and exercising social distancing is likely to be very low.
All these issues are being considered by the Scottish Government, which has given us assurances it will relax the current restrictions as soon as it is safe to do so.
It is likely, however, that social distancing measures will be with us for many months to come, unless a vaccine can be developed.
Finally, we should all recognise and applaud the huge efforts of our NHS staff and other key workers at these difficult times, and the personal risk that they are putting themselves in order to protect us all.
• Murdo Fraser always welcomes feedback from constituents.
He can be contacted at The Control Tower, Perth Airport, Scone, PH2 6PL, by email on murdo.fraser.msp@ parliament.scot or by telephone.
The number to dial is 01738 553676.