POLICE enforcement of lockdown restrictions around a cross-border cluster of coronavirus cases will be used as a “last resort”, Scotland’s justice secretary has said.
The outbreak in the Annan and Gretna areas of Dumfries and Galloway means restrictions of a five-mile maximum for non-essential travel remain in place while being eased in the rest of the country.
READ MORE: New NTS chief aims to built back public trust in organisation
A total of 11 new cases of Covid-19 were reported in Scotland yesterday, and with no new deaths the overall toll remains at 2,488.
There were 429 patients in hospital on Friday night, including 19 in intensive care.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted: “Another day yesterday with no confirmed positive Covid deaths registered in Scotland (and on a weekday too, so without the caveat of lower weekend registrations that applies to Sun/Mon figures).
“Let’s keep at it, to sustain progress. Time to take extra care, not drop our guard.”
you’re not going to see hundreds and hundreds of officers sent down to Annan and Gretna and so on and patrolling the streets
Investigations into the cross-border outbreak have identified 11 cases linked to a Carlisle hospital.
All the cases have been discovered around the Dumfries and Galloway border with England, resulting in the area being put into what is effectively a local lockdown.
Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf said yesterday early indications were that people in the affected areas were taking it seriously.
He said: “The police will take the approach they have taken right throughout the pandemic which is this really common sense, proportionate response.
“So you’re not going to see hundreds and hundreds of officers sent down to Annan and Gretna and so on and patrolling the streets to make sure nobody is going beyond the five-mile limit.”
READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon: Furious Tories demand daily briefings stop
He said there was a heavy reliance on self-compliance, which people in Scotland “have been good at”, with an efficient test and protect system also in place.
He added: “Police enforcement will of course where necessary be a last resort as part of that.
“But really this is where the test and protect system comes into its own.”
Speaking about the area’s outbreak yesterday Scotland’s national clinical director Professor Jason Leitch said the action taken in Dumfries has been limited.
He said: “This isn’t a huge outbreak. This is 11 positive cases around Gretna and Annan.
“We have got connections, we know where they are, we know who their contacts are – so we are managing it really well.”
Scots have been urged not to travel across the border to pubs as they reopen in England.
READ MORE: Devi Sridhar rejects Brian Wilson's 'attack' on her integrity
Elaine Murray, leader of Dumfries and Galloway Council, said some complacency over the virus had crept in recently and it was vital to adhere to the guidance.
She said: “This outbreak reminds us that the virus is still circulating. We know it is in the community in Cumbria so it essential that none of us travel to Carlisle for the reopening of the pubs this weekend, however tempting that may be.”
Police Scotland also called for people to follow the rules.
Chief Superintendent Linda Jones, divisional commander for Dumfries and Galloway, said: “The Chief Constable has made it clear that we are asking people to take personal responsibility to do the right thing and remember the purpose of these measures is to aid the collective effort to stay safe, protect others and save lives by preventing the virus from spreading.
“Our officers will continue to engage with the public, explain the legislation and guidance and encourage compliance.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel