Aberdeenshire residents urged against complacency after region avoids tougher coronavirus restrictions

Banff and Buchan MP David Duguid has warned against complacency after Aberdeenshire avoided being moved into tougher Covid-19 restrictions.

The First Minister announced that the region and Aberdeen would remain in level two of the coronavirus local protection levels, despite a recommendation from officials to move both council areas to level three.

There has been an increase in cases in the region, which included outbreaks at food processing plants, hospital wards and in schools.

Nicola Sturgeon said at Holyrood that there would be further analysis of the data before any decision is made, which could happen before the next review on Tuesday, December 8.

Mr Duguid said: "I am sure most people in Aberdeenshire will share my relief at this news.

"It was widely expected that we would be placed into the tougher level of restrictions.

"However, given what the First Minister has just said, we are certainly not out of the woods yet. Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen City may yet be moved later this week or next week.

"Either way, this must act as a wake-up call for everyone in the area.

"We must abide by the rules, we must remember to wash our hands, cover our faces and make space for one another. We cannot afford to be complacent.

"If cases continue to rise, we could well end up in a higher tier, which would be very challenging for the local economy as we approach the festive period."

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.