Coronavirus / NHS chief thinks new Covid restrictions ‘attempt to strike the right balance’
NHS Shetland chief executive Michael Dickson believes new coronavirus restrictions imposed by the Scottish Government “attempts to strike the right balance” between slowing the spread of Covid-19 and sustaining the economy.
He said he has “every faith” that the Shetland community can follow the new guidance.
In an announcement on Tuesday, first minister Nicola Sturgeon said people were generally no longer allowed to meet socially in houses.
Pubs and restaurants will have to close up at 10pm each night from Friday onwards.
More information on the new measures announced this week can be found online.
Sturgeon said the number of cases in Scotland was rising “faster than we can be comfortable with, and we cannot let it continue unchecked”.
Shetland recorded three new confirmed cases of Covid-19 at the weekend to bring the isles’ total cumulative tally since the outbreak to 60.
Dickson said the first minister’s announcement “attempts to strike the right balance between working to reduce the number of Covid cases in Scotland while also sustaining the economy”.
“We have to find a way to move forward that ensures people are safe, while at the same time ensuring that businesses don’t close and jobs are lost,” he said.
“The reality is the number of cases in Scotland has risen dramatically in recent weeks and tough measures are needed to bring this back under control.
“The Shetland community showed the way in April after a surge of cases because they followed the guidance and I have every faith we can do it again. Covid is present in our community and we must take great care to ensure we are not part of passing it on.”
Dickson added that people can play their part by adhering to the FACTS guidance.
These are:
- Face Coverings;
- Avoid Crowded Places;
- Clean Your Hands Regularly;
- Two-metre distance from other people;
- Self-Isolate and book a test of you have symptoms.
A local councillor, meanwhile, has claimed that “island residents and businesses [are] suffering for a spike on the mainland”.
Ryan Thomson said it was his belief that “blanket, nationwide rules do not work”.
“The government should empower local councils and NHS authorities to make decisions based on local circumstances,” he said.
“This way, these types of restrictions wouldn’t be imposed on us here in Shetland when it doesn’t need to be, and can be implemented when necessary and required.”
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