Concerns are raised over lack of social distancing

Complacency could be the big enemy when it comes to Oban staying Covid free, councillors are warning.

Concerns that some people in the town are letting social distancing slip, were expressed at Monday’s community council meeting.

Argyll and Bute Councillor Jim Lynch for Oban South and the Isles said social distancing in some places in town is ‘non-existent’ and added: ‘We are getting a bit complacent. That’s the biggest danger.’

Social distancing signs are up in the town and everyone has to play a part in continuing to get the message across.

‘Complacency is the big enemy. We need to drive this message home,’ added Councillor Lynch.

Oban North and Lorn Councillor Kieron Green said he was worried some people were forgetting there are restrictions in place for household gatherings indoors.

‘With the return to some normality, it’s falling by the wayside for some,’ he said.

Councillor Green also urged people to be on their guard, especially if they are aware of house parties being planned and added: ‘If you are a parent and are aware of them meeting up with others, take it on yourself to do a bit of education.’

He also reported that, Argyll-wide, although there had been some sporadic cases there had not been any clusters.

Community councillor Laura Corbe said ‘hats off’ to teachers and other staff at Oban High School for all the plans put in place to keep students safe from the virus.

‘They are teaching threehour lessons and have become nurses as well as teachers, something they didn’t sign up for. Hats off to them,’ she said, but revealed how alarmed she had been to hear half of the school ‘have gone down with a cold’ despite all the precautions and measures being taken - including hand washing.

‘But all the precautions in the world are not going to keep us completely Covid free. Kids are the super spreaders,’ she said.

Maps are currently being designed under a Spaces for People project thanks to government funding to help communities keep physical distancing in public places while Covid restrictions remain in place.

One of the ideas is to improve access to the school, looking at a route leading to it from Glencruitten, the community council heard.

‘Complacency is the big enemy. That’s the biggest danger.’