Politicians issue plea to Moray people as region faces isolation in Level 3 Covid-19 restrictions
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
LOCAL politicians have urged people in Moray to work together to drive down Covid-19 transmission after the First Minister said today that Moray looks set to remain in Level 3 from next week.
The rest of mainland Scotland will move to Level 2 restrictions as planned on Monday, May 17, meaning people outwith Moray will be able to hug their loved ones and meet in private homes.
Meanwhile, travel in and out of Moray looks likely to be restricted.
However, Nicola Sturgeon said a final decision will be taken at the end of the week.
Following a briefing for all Scottish party leaders this morning, Moray MP Douglas Ross said: "It is disappointing, but not at all unexpected, that Moray will likely remain in Level 3 while the rest of the country has restrictions relaxed from Monday.
"The massive increase in Covid cases continues to be a cause of real concern and we must do everything possible to get on top of the community transmission.
"It will be difficult for individuals and families here in Moray to see the rest of Scotland benefit from an easing in the current restrictions, but if we all work together then we can hopefully see cases drop and be brought under control which will allow us to move forward.
"It will also be absolutely crucial for businesses here in Moray that were preparing to reopen to get all the financial support and assistance they need. I will do everything I can to assist those who will be affected by the additional time we have to operate in Level 3 restrictions.
"However, there are small signs for optimism as cases may be beginning to stabilise and there has been a massive effort to increase the vaccination rollout here in Moray.
"I’d urge everyone to follow the current guidance, get regularly tested and go for their vaccine when it’s offered to them."
Moray MSP Richard Lochhead MSP said: "I appreciate that the announcement will not be the one many families, who were looking forward to meeting up indoors, and also businesses in Moray will have been hoping for.
"However, given that Moray’s cases are four times the national average, few people will be surprised that we may have to wait a bit longer for the restrictions to be further eased.
"It is of course disappointing, especially after we’d done so well for so long and after all the sacrifices people have made over the last year – but the focus now must be on getting through this as quickly as possible so we can join the rest of the country in Level 2.
"I welcome the substantial efforts being made to contain the situation, including the rollout of additional and expanded testing for both symptomatic and asymptomatic people, as well as the acceleration of vaccinations for those over the age of 18.
"I would encourage people to take advantage of all that and to follow the public health guidance. I want to thank the staff involved in these efforts who are working flat out to help get case numbers down in Moray.
"Finally, I’m acutely aware of the fact that some businesses in Moray will be impacted should we remain in Level 3 next week. The impact on the local economy is something that I’ve raised with the Scottish Government and I welcome the fact that funds have been set aside for business support should we remain in Level 3."
The Scottish Government is working with Moray Council and NHS Grampian to reduce case numbers in the region.
Ms Sturgeon said they were doing all they could to ensure that any extension of Level 3 in Moray was for as short a period as possible.
