Our Main in Westminster: This is a milestone in Scotland's recovery from Covid as the nation moved to level 0 restrictions
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
MP Drew Hendry argues that was made possible by the vaccine programme, NHS and public sector workforce, GPs, armed forces and the 'fantastic' volunteers.
This week we reach a new milestone on our road to recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic as Scotland now moves beyond level 0 restrictions.
These latest changes, announced by the First Minister last week, are now possible because of the fall in infection rate.
Since July, the Covid infection rate has fallen by two-thirds.
Undoubtedly, our successful vaccine programme has played a crucial role in getting us to this point, and I want to thank everyone involved; our NHS and public sector workers, GP surgery staff, our armed forces, all the fantastic volunteers who have given up their own time to help and to each and every one of you who have put out your arm to get the jab.
I am certain that had the uptake of the vaccine not been so high, we would not be able to move to this next phase of our recovery from the pandemic.
While the further easing of restrictions has been hard-earned, we mustn’t lose sight of the harm this virus can still do.
Its ability to mutate means we must continue to guard communities against new strains.
Our progress is welcome, but it is also fragile.
We must all continue to work together to protect our communities.
This week, we will see much of retail and hospitality return to a sense of normality; we can protect the progress made by continuing to be cautious and careful.
Face coverings are still required in shops and on public transport and are likely to continue to be a feature of our daily lives for some time to come.
While social distancing is no longer stipulated, it still makes sense to keep a safe distance from folk to minimise risk to your health.
We have reached a point where every adult in Scotland has had the opportunity to get their vaccine.
I would urge anyone who hasn’t yet had their jab to get along to one of the drop-in clinics or visit www.nhsinform.scot to arrange an appointment.
If, for any reason, you are having difficulties with this, please contact my office, and my team will be happy to help.
Those who have been double vaccinated, have no symptoms of Covid, and have a negative PCR test will no longer have to self-isolate as a close contact of an infected party.
By getting vaccinated, you aren’t only protecting your own health; you are protecting your community and the fragile social and economic progress we have made together.
