Scotland will endure these bleak times

Scotland’s new Covid restrictions may not amount to a second lockdown, but they certainly run it close. Yesterday the first minister set out the good, the bad and the downright ugly in the fight against Covid.

And she spoke about the reason why she was standing in front of the nation and again imposing further restrictions on our personal freedoms.

The context is stark. In the past two months since the initial viral wave was brought under control, the average number of positive Covid cases recorded daily in Scotland has multiplied more than 30-fold.

It is a statistic that backs up the first minister’s stated position that no action at this juncture of the pandemic was not an option. So what of the new restrictions?

It was obvious Ms Sturgeon was not entirely comfortable with the new 10pm curfew on pubs and restaurants, which is being repeated elsewhere across the UK.

On the positive side it is a move that keeps the hospitality trade open and people in jobs, but it is an odd fudge and one that could potentially be counterproductive from a public health point of view if drinkers defy the rules and move on to private dwellings after last orders are called.

There is also the call to curb international travel – but no specific changes as yet at airports or ferry terminals – and an end to car sharing, although schools will remain open.

But the principal change is the restriction on households from visiting other households.

Two weeks ago rules were announced preventing more than two households and six adults from congregating.

The new more stringent set-up is designed to get on top of a wave of community transmission which the scientists believe is related to households mingling with one another.

The single household ruling represents a major step for this country, and another great sacrifice for its people.

It will help cut the avenues of viral transmission, but there is no doubt it comes with its own negatives consequences.

It will compound the isolation already felt by many and levels of stress among the general public will inevitably rise. There will be heavy econmic impacts too.

But, sadly, we have come to learn that with Covid there are no easy paths.

Until a vaccine is available, this is a crisis we must endure.