[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1588716237876{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Tuesday 5 May 2020 – For Immediate Release

PUBLIC TO HAVE THEIR SAY ON LOCKDOWN RESTRICTIONS

 SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT PUBLISHES UPDATE ON “LIFE BEYOND LOCKDOWN”

Ms Roseanna Cunningham MSP, Member of the Scottish Parliament for the Perthshire South & Kinross-shire constituency, is highlighting an opportunity for her constituents to have their say as the Scottish Government publishes an update on what life might look like when coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions are altered.

COVID-19: A Framework for Decision Making says the current lockdown is pushing the number of infectious cases down but concludes that the virus continues to pose a serious threat to public health in Scotland.

Ms Cunningham has also encouraged constituents to read the Scottish Government’s Test, Trace, Isolate, Support paper, published yesterday, which will be a “key aspect” of the next phase of the battle against Coronavirus.

The testing and tracing strategy will work alongside other virus suppression measures, including physical distancing, hand washing and the use of face coverings. Thousands of contact tracing staff are also to be taken on, and new digital tools including an app are being developed.

Speaking this afternoon, Ms Cunningham said:

“The decisions on how we come out of lockdown will affect all of us – and so it’s important that these decisions are made as openly and collaboratively as possible, with councils, businesses, unions, public services and community groups in Perthshire South & Kinross-shire having the opportunity to be part of the discussion.

“Today the Scottish Government launched an online forum that gives people the opportunity to offer their reflections on lockdown restrictions – and I’d encourage my constituents to share their views on how we move forward.

 “There are no easy answers – but it is right for the Scottish Government to keep people up-to-date and be clear about the factors that inform decision making.  That is why it is so important that everyone continues reading the official guidance and information published.

“For now, the advice for people remains the same – staying at home and only making essential journeys is saving lives. Keeping physical distance in the limited circumstances when you have to be around people and continuing to regularly wash your hands – these are still the best ways to reduce your risk of infection.

“Everyone has a part to play in combatting this virus, and while I understand that these measures are difficult for all of us, they are saving lives and protecting our NHS.”

NOTES TO EDITORS:

COVID-19 – “Test, Trace, Isolate, Support”
https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-test-trace-isolate-support/

COVID-19 – Framework for Decision-Making

https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-framework-decision-making-further-information/

The public can submit their ideas and view those of others here.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]