PUBLIC Urged ‘Not To Let Guard Down’ As Inverclyde Remains In Level Three Covid Protection Tier
INVERCLYDE has escaped being placed on level four covid lockdown — but tougher restrictions are being imposed on 11 Scottish council areas, including Renfrewshire and Glasgow.
The district is the only one of the six council areas covered by Greater Glasgow and Clyde health board not to be included in the tighter measures which take effect from Friday and will initially last for three weeks.
The Scottish Government said cases and test positivity had been consistently decreasing in Inverclyde over the last week.
It added: “The increase in case numbers and positivity observed last week has improved and the picture is now improving.
“Although within NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, the position in Inverclyde is more positive than other local authorities within this health board. It is therefore not proportionate to move Inverclyde to level four.”
The leader of Inverclyde Council along with the area’s MP and MSP have joined forces to urge residents to be vigilant over the coronavirus rules so the area can continue to avoid the need for stricter regulations.
Councillor Stephen McCabe, Ronnie Cowan MP and Stuart McMillan MSP issued a joint statement saying: “It’s our public duty to continue to follow the rules to help protect ourselves and each other, especially the most vulnerable in our communities.
“It feels never-ending and it’s easy to become complacent and let our guard down. But the fluctuations in infection rates we’re seeing is another stark reminder that this virus is still present in our communities and therefore we all must do our bit to help keep transmission at bay.
“That includes keeping a two-metre distance where possible at all times, wear a face covering, wash your hands regularly, do not have people from outwith your own household in your home, and self-isolate and book a test if you display symptoms of the virus.
“While the wearing of face coverings in public settings is an important tool, they are not a substitute for social distancing. They don’t protect against this awful virus but offer an additional layer of protection.
“While we’re eager for Inverclyde’s national restriction level to be lowered to help struggling local businesses and allow us to reunite with friends and family in a safe way, this will only happen if we all continue to stick to the rules to drive down the rate of infection. Whether it’s for yourself, your family, your friends or whoever, please keep at it.”
| Protection Level Details On Scottish Government Website
Level three rules include:
Travel
— No non-essential travel into or out of the level three council area. Exemptions include essential travel for work, education, shopping, health; outdoor exercise; weddings and funerals; shared parenting. | Coverage Of Travel Rules BBC
Socialising
— No in-home socialising (with limited exceptions)
— Up to six people from two households can socialise outdoors
— Different rules apply to children — details are still to be published
Hospitality
— Last entry to cafes, restaurants and bars is 5pm, closed at 6pm.
— No alcohol to be served indoors or outdoors
Leisure and entertainment venues will be closed.
Schools and shops stay open.
