Stick to the rules, Covid hasn’t gone away – joint message from Inverclyde’s MP, MSP and council leader
THE leader of Inverclyde Council along with the area’s MP and MSP have joined forces to urge residents to stick with the coronavirus rules.
Councillor Stephen McCabe, Ronnie Cowan MP and Stuart McMillan MSP have issued a joint statement encouraging local people of the dangers of Covid-19 and the importance of following the health and safety rules, especially with Christmas on the horizon.
It comes after the three held an online video conference to discuss the ongoing impact of the pandemic on Inverclyde.
This followed fluctuations in the number of positive cases locally which has seen the area kept at Level 3 of the Scottish Government’s coronavirus restrictions system.
In a joint statement, they said: “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.
“The safety rules are simple to follow and they really do make a difference in the fight against coronavirus. They take on even greater significance at this time of year with Christmas, and all that comes with it, just around the corner.
“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.”
The restrictions currently in place for Inverclyde under Level 3 of the Scottish Government’s tiered system include: people from one household cannot have those from another household in their home; hospitality venues cannot sell alcohol and must close by 6pm; no travel outside the local authority area unless for essential purposes such as for work, healthcare or caring responsibilities.
Residents are being encouraged to stay at home as much as possible, unless they have to go out for essential reasons, but a maximum of six people from two different households can meet in an outdoor public place or in a café or restaurant, for example.
Full details about what people can and cannot do under Level 3 are available at www.gov.scot/coronavirus-covid-19 and more information about services and support locally can be found at www.inverclyde.gov.uk/coronavirus.
Signs of coronavirus are a new continuous cough, high temperature or loss/change of taste or smell.
Anyone who displays any of these symptoms and everyone who lives with them must stay at home and get a test straight away.
Tests can be booked online at NHSinform.scot/test-and-protect or by calling 0800 028 2816 for those who cannot access the internet.