Restrictions will help beat virus

On Monday, the first minister announced further measures to combat the rapid spread of COVID

Whilst we can justifiably look forward to brighter days ahead in 2021, we are sadly facing our most acute challenge since the beginning of the pandemic. To that end, it was necessary for the first minister to put in place restrictions similar to those introduced in March of last year.

We are now dealing with a new variant of COVID that is significantly more infectious.

As a result, it is driving an alarming increase in cases across Scotland.

Across the UK, we are seeing unprecedented pressure being put on the NHS and, whilst we in Scotland are thankfully not at such a critical stage, it was vital that the Scottish Government took proactive and decisive action to ensure our NHS was not overwhelmed.

We are now effectively in a race between the fasterspreading strain of COVID and the nationwide rollout of the vaccine. This is a winnable race, but one that will require difficult choices with difficult consequences.

A return to lockdown is a psychological blow for all of us, and people and businesses across the region will feel understandably worried.

I can assure you that the Scottish Government will do all that we can to support you during this time.

It is always important to note that, as a devolved administration, we are not able to borrow money and instead rely on limited tax raising powers and allocation of funds from Westminster.

However, we will ensure that any new funding that we are granted will be used to help support people and businesses.

It is likely that the months ahead will prove difficult – perhaps the most difficult we have faced so far.

Through this dark period, it is more important than ever to remember that we are making progress, and that every day brings us closer to the endgame.

We now have two vaccines being rolled out across the nation, and as a government we are laser-focused on ensuring that this process is conducted as quickly as reasonably possible.

Indeed, already over 100,000 people have received their first dose of the vaccine, and we aim to have vaccinated 2.5 million people by the end of May.

In the meantime, though, I ask once more that you follow the Scottish Government guidance.

The measures that have been introduced are the result of extensive consultation with public health experts, and are designed to help keep us all safe.

Thank you once more for your understanding, your patience and your sacrifices as difficult as it may be to believe right now, it really will all be worth it in the end.