Deserted streets as virus rate rises rapidly
COVID infection doubling Stick to the rules plea
The COVID infection rate in Perth and Kinross rose above 250 per 100,000 last week after nearly doubling in the space of seven days.
And 20 people died from the virus over the festive period.
Data from Public Health Scotland shows an infection rate of 254 per 100,000 people in the region up until Sunday, January 3.
That is up from 130.1 on Sunday, December 27. In the week up to January 3, 386 cases were recorded, compared with 198 the week before.
The test positivity rate is nearly 11 per cent in the region.
Meanwhile, statistics from the National Record of Scotland show 11 people had the virus on their death certificate in the week beginning December 21, with a further nine the week after. It brings to the total of local deaths to 133.
A new strain of the pathogen is spreading more quickly, and the government has brought in a lockdown to try and curb the spread as it battles to vaccinate vulnerable members of the community.
Six neighbourhoods in the region are recording over 400 cases per 100,000 people.
These are: Alyth, Auchterarder, Central and South Inch, Errol and Inchture, Gannochy and Walnut Grove, and Powmill, Cleish and Scotlandwell.
Usually busy thoroughfares like Perth city centre were deserted this week as people stayed at home to try and drive infections down.
Parents are also preparing for the return of remote learning with schools closed until at least February.
Perthshire South and Kinross-shire MSP Roseanna Cunningham called on residents to obey the rules, and said people should not go looking for loopholes.
She said: “I know how difficult this further lockdown will be for everyone - but it is absolutely necessary to bring this killer virus under control.
“If the country does not act now then we risk the NHS being overwhelmed and even more people will die because of this virus.
“This is no theoretical risk – it is the desperate reality Scotland faces now and over the coming weeks.
“That means everyone must play their part in a national fightback by sticking to both the letter and the spirit of the new rules.
“Please do not go looking for loopholes. Stay at home and don’t go out unless it is entirely necessary. And do not travel beyond the boundaries of Perth and Kinross if you are going out to exercise.”
Meanwhile, Perthshire Chamber of Commerce has called on more support for businesses struggling through the pandemic
Chief executive Vicki Unite also called for support after restrictions are lifted.
She said: “As ever, we understand the difficult decisions government has to make in seeking to maintain the fragile balance between looking after the health of the nation and that of the economy.
“However, whatever decisions are made in tackling the virus, it is essential that the businesses affected - which support local jobs and communities - are adequately protected.”
“It is critical that the Scottish Government implements measures to support private sector recovery once this period of restrictions is lifted and assists them in the meantime.
“Without urgent cash support, many businesses will be unable to survive.”