North-east avoids strict upper tiers of new Covid rules
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MORAY has been placed in tier 1 of the new coronavirus lockdown restrictions, with Aberdeenshire now sitting at tier 2.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon revealed the new tiered warning system during a speech in the Scottish Parliament.
Moray's relatively low rate of coronavirus infections has seen it placed in one of the lowest tiers, meaning individuals and businesses can operate with less restrictions.
The move was welcomed by Banffshire and Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson, whose constituency spans the border of the two council areas.
"Aberdeenshire has been placed into tier two and Moray into tier one based upon a number of factors used to assess the need for each tier," he said.
“Currently, despite the difference in tiers the restriction on household meetings is in place across all levels as we continue to work to reducing the number of Covid cases right across Scotland.
“I know this is a challenging time for everyone as we continue to make many sacrifices in our day-to-day lives.
“I would like to thank everyone for all they have done to help reduce the number of infections from Covid-19.
“If we all dig in and stick with it, this proportionate approach has a real chance of being sustainable and keeping Covid under control over the winter.
“If we succeed, we open the prospect – in all parts of the country – of being able to lead lives which are substantially closer to normal in the weeks and months to come.”
His Moray colleague Richard Lochhead warned that it was not a cue to be complacent.
He continued: “Whilst the number of cases in Moray is lower than other parts of the country, we can’t be complacent, and we shouldn’t forget that families in our local communities have lost loved ones.
"It is absolutely essential that we all continue to follow the rules to ensure the virus is suppressed locally.”
Moray Conservative MP Douglas Ross urged people to stick with the regulations to keep the virus on the back foot.
"I am pleased to see that Moray has been placed in a low level with fewer restrictions compared to other parts of Scotland.
“I think this is the right decision, as there are still relatively low numbers of the virus in Moray but we have to remain vigilant.
“The level one status will allow a return to something approaching normality but there is still a restriction on visiting other households which I know people are finding very difficult.
“People in Moray have done the right thing by obeying the rules so far, and I would urge everyone to stick with it to make sure the virus does not take hold here.”
Sarah Medcraf, chief executive of Moray Chamber of Commerce, said she had written to Mr Lochhead proposing that Moray should be in tier 1, ahead of an announcement by the First Minister.
She said clarity was still needed on sectors closed under the old route map, such as soft play centres.
"It is disappointing that working from home is now the default even in Tier 0 and the whole rates system is at risk of collapse if we don’t get people back in to the offices that they are paying for.
"Many places are still paying rates but not allowed to be in their premises. The High Streets and other retailers will have noticed the knock that the lack of people in offices would have had on them, particularly after Eat Out to Help Out ended.
"After a tough nearly three weeks for hospitality closing after 6pm it will be welcomed for them to open in the evening and serve alcohol. We have great community spirit and people want to support their favourite places but between school and working commitments and closing early, it left very little time for many to be able to do this.
"We have provided feedback to government on the strategic framework and believe that one of the most important factors is notice for the businesses in areas which are moving between sectors. They need to have time to implement changes, arrange staff and for places like hospitality ensure that stock/produce doesn’t go to waste. Every penny is a prisoner at the moment and planning is key."
